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
A successful first week of school has been enjoyed at TIS! Students and teachers are actively pursuing a great education in a warm, welcoming community. Read on to find out what is happening at TIS!
PowerSchool Log-In
Parents who were not able to attend the Admission's Fair, or who would like to be sure they know how to log onto PowerSchool, please, see:
Polly Dong - ECC
Cathy Xu - Elementary and Secondary
Heather Kang - Elementary and Secondary
Yearbook Picture Days
We have barely started the school year, and it’s time for Yearbook Picture Days. As noted on the TIS calendar, the photographer will be here on Thursday and Friday, (28-29 August), for yearbook photos. For the ECC, student photos will be taken only on Friday 29 August. For elementary please note that students will have individual pictures on Thursday and class group pictures taken on Friday. Please dress your child/children appropriately for pictures on these two days.
Mark Your Calendars for International Day
International Day: Friday, 17th October
Focus Country: The United States of America
Theme: County Fair
To showcase the diversity of our school, we invite individuals, families or groups to perform traditional songs, dances, and instrumental pieces etc., which reflect the uniqueness of your culture. If you are interested in being part of the Cultural Program during International Day, please e-mail Dawn Williams: dwilliams@tiseagles.com
MS Kids Read Kick-Off
An informational meeting about Kids Read will be held on Wednesday, August 27 in the Blue Room during MS Lunch Period (11:15 - 11:55). Any middle schooler who loves to read is welcome to join, just bring your lunch with you to find out more!
From the TIS Health Clinic
Greetings from the school nurses! Thank you to all parents of new students and returning students in grades 5 and 9 who submitted their forms already! Thank you also to all parents who updated their child’s health information. We are still missing forms from some. Here is a list of what must be handed into the nurse’s office by August 26:
If your child is new at TIS or returning and now in 5th or 9th grade please ensure you have handed in the following:
Student Medical Report (a 5-page form; 3 pages to be filled out by parents and page 4-5 to be filled out by a doctor – please arrange for the examination this weekend if you have not done this yet)
Copy of immunization records
If you don’t have the forms, please download them from our website, using this link: https://tiseagles.com/en/admissions/applying-to-tis/ (the medical form you need is on the right)
If your child is a returning student to TIS – all grades:
You were required to update your child’s Annual Health Update and give your consent to medication during the re-enrollment process. If there have been changes over the summer to either your child's health condition or the immunization history, you will need to update the information online by clicking on the Health Info Update icon in PowerSchool. (https://powerschool.tiseagles.com/public/home.html). For the well-being of all students, please complete the updates as soon as possible, thank you for your cooperation.
Questions? Please call the school nurses Mrs. Belcher or Ms. Chai at ext. 319 or contact us by email: nurse@tiseagles.com
Thank you for helping our school community stay safe and healthy!
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
Counselors Corner, by Dr. Cindy Harvel
Guidance Counselor, Ph.D. University of Nebraska at Lincoln; M.Ed. Mount Vernon Nazarene College; BS Ohio University
A Time for Introductions
Seasons…changing, each beautiful, each unique. Fall happens to be my favorite season with the lovely autumn leaves, baking “pumpkin everything”, the crisp cooler air, and the start of a brand new school year! There are many “changes” in TIS this year, and one of these happens to be a change of season for my own life. I have had the wonderful privilege of being on the guidance team with TIS for the last five years! I have enjoyed serving our students, helping them with homework, listening to their hopes, dreams and sometimes fears, finding tutors, choosing classes, college planning, and a variety of other challenging tasks! Myoung Paik, SoYoung Lee, and I will be passing along these important services to three new wonderful people this year.
I am so happy to announce that Jeff Scranton is our new head guidance counselor. Previously working at Chengdu International School for the last two years, Jeff also has experience as a licensed therapist. Jeff has a passion for helping people. He is a nationally certified counselor specializing in family systems therapy, grief therapy, and addictions counseling. Graduating with a B.A. from Southern Wesleyan University, Jeff continued to Clemson University earning a MEd. in clinical mental health. I am so happy to have someone so well equipped to help our students and look forward to how his experiences will enrich our school. Jeff and his wife Bobbi (our new fourth grade teacher) have been happily married for 27 years, with four children, three of them married and one actually attending Chengdu University in China! They also are the proud grandparents of three wonderful grandchildren. In addition to enjoying his work with the students of TIS, Jeff also hopes to someday work toward his doctorate in counseling.
I am also so pleased that Annie Suen, wife of Bible teacher Joseph Suen, will be working part-time on our guidance team. Annie is especially looking forward to working with our elementary children. She and I have had many warm chats and I am convinced she truly has a servant’s heart to share with the children in TIS! Annie majored in education at BHU (Beulah Heights University) and also did Master’s work in counseling at Westminster Seminary. Annie has worked with children for almost 25 years, and loves working with students!
Shannon Ding will be our new office manager for the guidance department. Graduating from Tianjin Foreign Studies University with a Bachelor’s in English Language and Literature, Shannon went on to study International Trade from Nankai University, earning an Associates Degree. Shannon comes to us with six years of experience working with international students, two and a half of those years working in the classroom. Shannon hopes to continue her study in school counseling and hopes her work here at TIS will be the foundation for growth and future study in higher education in the field of psychology. I have observed Shannon working on an individual basis with students, and her love and care are evident by the way she treats each one!
As this new fall season of TIS comes into color, be sure to stop by and visit our new counseling team on the second floor hallway, right next to the high school library! Have a beautiful fall semester, TIS!
ECC Announcements
Open House
Parents of ECC students are invited to attend our annual Open House on Friday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and find out more about their expectations in the classroom. If you are an ECC parent and you also have an elementary child, at 7:00, please go straight to the 2nd floor auditorium for an introduction to our elementary program. If you do not have an elementary child, please go straight to the ECC where you will receive instructions for the evening. We ask that you do not bring your child with you to this event. We hope to see all ECC parents in attendance!
Bussing information is as follows:
Pick-Ups
6:15 pm Olympic Towers - 6:25 Somerset Youyi - TIS (small van)
6:15 pm YG100（side/main gate) — TIS （one big school bus）
6:15 pm Ao Cheng — TIS （one big school bus）
6:15 pm Ao Cheng — 6:35 pm HaiYiChangZhou (main gate) - TIS（A big school bus）
6:25 pm Ban Dao (main gate) — TIS (one big school bus）
Returns at 9:15PM
TIS --YG100（Side /main gate）（two big school buses）
TIS -- Ban Dao Hao Ting (one big school bus)
TIS --Ao Cheng (two big school buses)
TIS - Subway station – BDHT – HaiYiChangZhou - YG100 (one big school bus)
TIS – Somerset Youyi - Olympic Towers (small van)
Tree House Playgroup
The Tree House Playgroup got off to a great start this week with many moms and toddlers and babies! (See "This Week in Pictures") We meet each Wednesday from 10:00AM - 12:00PM! We welcome everyone who holds a foreign passport with children 0-5 years of age. Through this event we hope to create opportunities for moms to make connections, children to play in a rich and stimulating environment, and for all to enjoy our beautiful Tree House room! Please come join us and bring a friend! And remember, parents must accompany their children during the playtime.
Bussing will be provided to these locations at the following times:
9:00am YG100——9:10am Aocheng——9:33am HaiyiChangzhou —9:35am BDHT (Raspberry)
9:25am Olympic——9:35am You Yi (our school van)
Elementary Announcements
Open House
The ECC and The Elementary will be combining their Open House. Parents of elementary students (grades 1-5) are invited to attend our annual Elementary Open House on Friday, August 29th at 7:00 p.m. The Open house will begin with a presentation about the Elementary in the Auditorium, followed by an opportunity to visit your child's classroom. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and find out more about their expectations in the classroom. There will be a special presentation about Band for 5th grade parents. We ask that you do not bring your students with you to this event. We hope to see all Elementary parents in attendance!
Bussing information is as follows:
Pick-Ups
6:15 pm Olympic Towers - 6:25 Somerset Youyi - TIS (small van)
6:15 pm YG100（side/main gate) — TIS （one big school bus）
6:15 pm Ao Cheng — TIS （one big school bus）
6:15 pm Ao Cheng — 6:35 pm HaiYiChangZhou (main gate) - TIS（A big school bus）
6:25 pm Ban Dao (main gate) — TIS (one big school bus）
Returns at 9:15PM
TIS --YG100（Side /main gate）（two big school buses）
TIS -- Ban Dao Hao Ting (one big school bus)
TIS --Ao Cheng (two big school buses)
TIS - Subway station – BDHT – HaiYiChangZhou - YG100 (one big school bus)
TIS – Somerset Youyi - Olympic Towers (small van)
iPad Roll-Out Celebration
The elementary is happy to announce that we will be rolling out the 1:1 iPad program for grades 3 - 5 on Saturday, September 6th from 9:30am - 11:00am. At this celebration, parents will be given the iPads and will be provided help with basic set up of the device. This will also be a time to learn about the vision and expectations for iPads in the classrooms. A parent must be present in order to receive the iPad. Look for more information on this event in the following weeks
Middle School Announcements
6th Grade Parent Dinner TONIGHT
All parents of 6th grade students are requested to attend the 6th grade parent dinner. The dinner will be held tonight, Friday, August 22, at 5:15 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parents will have the opportunity to meet their children’s teachers in a more informal setting and to discuss issues important to making a successful transition to the secondary school. After the delicious dinner, I will give a short presentation about the transition to sixth grade. Sixth grade parents will join the rest of the secondary parents in the auditorium at 6:45, and at least one parent of each 6th grade student is asked to attend.
Secondary Open House TONIGHT
Parents of secondary students (grades 6-12) are invited to attend our annual Secondary Open House tonight, Friday, August 22 at 6:45 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and learn about their expectations in the classroom. The Open House will begin in the Auditorium. Special presentations by the following departments will be made: Athletics, Chinese, Fine Arts, and Tech. Open House will conclude around 9:00 p.m. Bussing information is as follows:
Pick-Ups
6：00pm YG100 （side gate／main gate）—— TIS（two big school busses）
6：10pm Ban Dao Hao Ting —— TIS （one big school bus）
6：05pm Aocheng —— TIS（two big school busses）
6：05pm Aocheng —— 6: 20 Haiyichangzhou (main gate) —— TIS （one big school bus）
Note: TEDA parents can ride to school when the 3:30 bus returns to TIS.
Note: There will be a small van to take secondary TEDA students from TIS to TEDA, leaving at 5:10 pm.
Returns at 9:30PM
TIS —— YG100（Side ／main gate）（two big school busses）
TIS —— Ban Dao Hao Ting （Two big school buses）
TIS —— Aocheng（three big school busses）
TIS —— Subway station-----Haiyichangzhou——－YG100（one big school bus）
TIS —— TEDA Line (cherry line)
TIS —— various locations as needed (Watermelon) TIS bus driver
Computer Bags
All 7th and 8th grade students are required to have a padded computer bag with handles to be used for carrying the MacBooks at all times. Stylish computer bags are available for purchase at TIS for 200 RMB.
iPad Cases
All 6th grade students are required to have a strong and durable case to protect their iPad. Cases are available at TIS for purchase.
Handbook Forms
Students and parents should have received an email containing the Student Handbook. You may also find the Student Handbook on our school website here. All middle school students must provide their signature (and at least one parent signature) on the Commitment form after reading the Student Handbook. The Parent and Student Commitment Form can be found on the last page of the handbook, page 50. The student handbook also contains the Technology Acceptable Use Policy in Appendix 1, page 39). In addition, all middle school students also must provide their signature (and at least one parent signature) on the THINK policy. An email explaining THINK was emailed on August 18.
These signed forms are due by August 25
Parent Involvement in 1:1 Computing
Student use of computers and iPads on campus will be monitored. We encourage parents to take an active role in monitoring off-campus use of computers and iPads. Here are a few simple suggestions:
Parents can have their child provide them with the child’s computer username and password
Parents can insist on computer use being in a public place (rather than in the privacy of the bedroom) and at appropriate times
Parents can make use of weekly e-mail reports of student computer use to help their child grow in making wise choices.
Fall Camp 2014
Fall Camp 2014 is September 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday). This will give students an opportunity to build cross-grade relationships through our "Houses" early in the school year. A letter to parents will be emailed on August 22. Have questions? Contact Mr. McElroy, our fearless Middle School Fall Camp Director
High School Announcements
Secondary Open House - TONIGHT
Parents of secondary students (grades 6-12) are invited to attend our annual Secondary Open House on Friday evening, August 22. This is a great opportunity to meet teachers and learn about TIS courses. The Open House will begin in the Auditorium at 6:45 pm, and will end around 9:00 pm. Bussing information is as follows:
Pick-Ups
6：00pm YG100 （side gate／main gate）—— TIS（two big school busses）
6：10pm Ban Dao Hao Ting —— TIS （one big school bus）
6：05pm Aocheng —— TIS（two big school busses）
6：05pm Aocheng —— 6: 20 Haiyichangzhou (main gate) —— TIS （one big school bus）
Note: TEDA parents can ride to school when the 3:30 bus returns to TIS.
Note: There will be a small van to take secondary TEDA students from TIS to TEDA, leaving at 5:10 pm.
Returns at 9:30PM
TIS —— YG100（Side ／main gate）（two big school busses）
TIS —— Ban Dao Hao Ting （Two big school buses）
TIS —— Aocheng（three big school busses）
TIS —— Subway station-----Haiyichangzhou——－YG100（one big school bus）
TIS —— TEDA Line (cherry line)
TIS —— various locations as needed (Watermelon) TIS bus driver
High School Schedules
High School students can adjust their schedules as follows: the last day to add a class is Friday, August 29th. The last day to drop a course is Friday, September 12th.
Handbook Forms
Students and parents should have received an email containing the Student Handbook. Parents may also find the Student Handbook on our school website here under the section "More About High School." Students have access to the handbook through the High School Students Moodle page.
All high school students must provide their signature (and at least one parent signature) on the Commitment form after reading the Student Handbook. The Parent and Student Commitment Form can be found on the last page of the handbook, page 50. The student handbook also contains the Technology Acceptable Use Policy in Appendix 1 and the Athletics Policy in Appendix 2. The signed handbook commitment forms are due by Monday, August 25.
Technology Emphasis
TIS is emphasizing the following message this year: "Before you use technology, T-H-I-N-K". This means that we want to ask the question: Is my use of technology consistent with Truth? Is it Honorable? Is it an Inspiration? Is it Noble? Does it promote Knowledge? Please join us in encouraging responsible digital citizenship through the T-H-I-N-K emphasis.
Fall Camp
Fall Camp 2014 is just under two weeks away (September 3-5) and will take place in the hills outside of Huairou (northeast of Beijing). The theme and teams were announced at Friday's assembly. A detailed letter should have gone to all parents via e-mail on Friday, along with a hard-copy permission slip to be signed and returned by Wednesday, August 27th.
Passports Needed for Fall Camp
High school students should bring their passports to school the day before they leave for Fall Camp. Students in grade 12 should bring their passports on Monday, September 1st. All other high schoolers should bring their passports on Tuesday, September 2nd.
Athletic Announcements
Welcome back Eagles!
We are excited that our athletic program will begin shortly after the school year starts. This fall our HS will play volleyball and MS will play soccer. We hope to see you on the field or court to improve your skills and have some good teamwork. We hope you enjoy the season and learn as much as you can. Best wishes to all of you! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask us.
TIS Athletic Department
Mr. Strong nstrong@tiseagles.com and Mr. Cheng ccheng@tiseagles.com
Schedule for August
August 20th High School volleyball begins (Practices take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
August 26th Middle School Soccer begins (Practices take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
August 30th First HS Game - Varsity Volleyball Boys @ WAB vs. WAB and HIS; Girls @ HIS vs. HIS and WAB
Dates to Remember
August 22
6th Grade Parent Dinner 5PM - 6:30PM
Secondary Open House
August 26
Middle School Soccer Begins
August 28-29
Yearbook Photos
August 29
ECC and Elementary Open House
September 3-5
Secondary Fall Camps
September 6 (Saturday)
Elementary iPad Celebration Grade 3-5 Parents