Issue #25: February 19, 2026
Issue #25: February 19, 2026
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Ms. Michelle Alzamora
Dear Families,
In anticipation of our Spring Conferences on March 19th, the ES Admin Team is launching a series highlighting the "Special Areas" that enrich your child’s school day. Over the next few weeks, we will explore the standards and philosophies behind Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Education, and World Language.
To kick off our series, we are highlighting our Visual and Performing Arts curriculum. At ACS, we believe that Art and Music are integral to a well-rounded education, fostering the creativity and critical thinking students need to thrive.
National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
Our Art and Music teachers utilize the National Core Arts Standards to guide instruction. These standards emphasize four essential artistic processes:
Our Art and Music teachers utilize the National Core Arts Standards to guide instruction. These standards emphasize four essential artistic processes:
Creating: Students conceive and develop new artistic ideas, from composing melodies to experimenting with visual media.
Performing/Presenting: Students learn to share their work, whether through a musical performance or by displaying their visual masterpieces.
Responding: Students learn to analyze and interpret art—discussing how a melody evokes emotion or how an artist’s use of color conveys a message.
Connecting: Students explore how the arts relate to their own lives, diverse cultures, and other academic disciplines.
A Concept-Based Approach
A Concept-Based Approach
Our team employs a concept-based approach to make learning meaningful. Rather than just "making a project," students explore overarching concepts like Identity, Imagination, or Perspective. By looking at these ideas through both a visual and auditory lens, students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our team employs a concept-based approach to make learning meaningful. Rather than just "making a project," students explore overarching concepts like Identity, Imagination, or Perspective. By looking at these ideas through both a visual and auditory lens, students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Collaboration and Growth
Collaboration and Growth
Our teachers meet regularly to ensure a seamless learning experience by:
Our teachers meet regularly to ensure a seamless learning experience by:
Sharing Best Practices: Discussing innovative strategies and successful student projects.
Articulating Skills: Ensuring that technical skills, like fine motor control or rhythmic accuracy, build logically across grade levels.
Aligning Curriculum: Ensuring the arts remain a vital, integrated part of your child’s daily school experience.
The Visual and Performing Arts team is excited to share your child’s growth with you. We invite you to drop into the Art and Music Classrooms during conferences on March 19th to celebrate your child as an artist and musician!
Next Week: We dive into Physical Education and the development of physical literacy and teamwork.
Warmly,
The ES Admin Team
Ramadan Reminders
Ramadan Reminders
Classes begin at 8:30 each day during Ramadan. Students may arrive at school at 8:10 and play on the playground until they are picked up by their teachers.
The last recess of the day is cancelled.
End-of-the-day dismissal time is 2:30pm.
Students are invited to go to the LC during snack and lunch if they are fasting. They may also use the LC as a place to pray. If your child is fasting, please let their teacher know so we can offer them support as needed.
Science Fair Winner
Science Fair Winner
A huge congratulations to Emilia LeBlanc, the winner of this year’s Science Fair! Emilia investigated how foods with the same level of carbohydrates affect blood sugar. This project has incredible real world application. The judges were blown away by how Emilia crafted a truly testable hypothesis and then thoroughly tested her question using multiple trials. Her work demonstrated a deep and sophisticated understanding of the scientific process. Way to go, Emilia!
Bingo Night and Iftar: Mark Your Calendars
Bingo Night and Iftar: Mark Your Calendars
The PTG is thrilled to invite our ACS families to a special evening of community, prizes, and reflection. Join us for a lively Bingo Night and Iftar as we gather to break bread and share some laughs!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Thursday February 26 from 5:00 - 7:30pm in the Cafeteria.
This event is COMPLETELY FREE to those who register. Please be sure to list everyone who will be attending with you, so they can get their game cards and food too!
Space is limited, so register HERE now!
Important Note on Student Supervision
To ensure the safety of our students and the smooth setup of the event, please keep the following campus policy in mind:
Unattended Students: If students are not staying with a parent or guardian after school ends, they must leave campus and return at 5:00 PM when the event begins.
Attended Students: Students are welcome to remain on campus between the end of the school day and the start of the event only if they are under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
We can’t wait to see who calls out the first "BINGO!" of the night. See you there!
Book Talks
Book Talks
The Learning Center invites you to watch the following book talk
From the ES Learning Commons
From the ES Learning Commons
Ramadan Stories Await! 🌙
Discover Ramadan through stories! Click to listen and learn about special traditions like kindness and giving. Happy reading!
Next slide: Learn how to make a paper lantern! Ramadan Library
Learning to Protect Our Most Precious Resource
Our Grade 3 students had Ms. Rebecca Bahls come to discuss UN Global Goal #6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
ES Podcasts of the Month
ES Podcasts of the Month
Common Sense Carpool Conversations - A podcast series that invites adults and kids to talk about the issues that matter most in kids' digital lives. You don't have to be a tech expert to give your kid life lessons about digital well-being. The purpose of the podcast is to start discussions in fun, authentic ways and to encourage sharing (including for the adults). The questions might lead to deeper discussions—or not! Either way, the goal is to nurture empathy, lead with curiosity, and have ongoing conversations that acknowledge we're all in this together.
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark Your Calendars!
February 26 - Bingo and Iftar 5:00 - 7:30
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