Welcome back! I hope your Spring Break was a rejuvenating time, filled with rest, relaxation, and moments of joy that have recharged your spirits for the journey ahead. As we step back into our classrooms, let’s carry with us the freshness and optimism that spring embodies. This return is more than a mere continuation of our academic journey; it brings a fresh opportunity to inspire and impact our students profoundly. The break afforded us a moment to pause, reflect, and now, to bring new insights or ideas into practice. This process begins earnestly with our first elementary TTT on Monday—a...

Congratulations to Alan and the entire team for their incredible effort in bringing the ES drama production of “BOTS!” to life on stage. Our young actors were simply outstanding, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the week. This event has also set a joyful tone as we look forward to the upcoming week, filled with celebrations and learning journeys that we’ll share with parents. As we eagerly anticipate Spring Break, it’s important to stay attentive and proactive, recognizing that this exciting time can sometimes lead to an uptick in energetic behaviors among our students. The anticipation of...

I hope last week’s session with Tom Schimmer provided some clarity on our approach to standards, assessments, and nurturing the habits of our learners. It’s quite possible that this clarity led to several “aha” moments, as well as a few new questions. This is a natural and valuable part of the learning process, and I encourage you to continue asking questions and sharing your insights. As we engage in our SUPP work this week, it presents a perfect moment for reflection and deep discussions about our continuous efforts. It’s timely that, after pondering what collaboration means from our students’ perspective,...

Over the past three weeks, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to accompany our 5th graders on their Week Without Walls (WWW) adventure, join some of our high school students for a swim meet, and most recently, support middle and elementary school students at another swim competition. Each journey offered unique joys and excitement. However, a consistent theme I’ve observed across all age groups is the embodiment of our core values. Our students displayed a delightful mix of humor, friendliness, competitiveness, goofiness, and silliness, alongside a profound respect for everyone they encountered. They showed a keen interest in self-improvement and a...

I am beginning to sound like a broken record as I share that this week is another very busy at school. Some grade levels are starting their SUPP, we are hosting the MRISA tournament, which includes a parade and opportunities to watch our upper school students in action. We have EC-12 IDL, PDL, EAL, and LS team meetings as well. We have concert rehearsals, theater rehearsals, and 40 visitors on Wed. to see how we innovatively use technology EC-12. Next week we begin a week of learning and growing with Tom Shimmer. Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. ES...

Congratulations Gr.5 for a fantastic week without walls experience. I forgot how much can be accomplished in such a short amount of time. Being able to go on the trip with G5 was a good reminder about why our powerful learning experiences are so important to the work we do. The time and effort we put into creating these experiences is not just a launching pad for learning. It is an event that can change the course of a student’s passion for learning. I’m sure every grade level has had similar experiences. Thank you for taking the time to think...

Welcome back! As we return from our Tet holiday break, rejuvenated and filled with new hopes, it’s both exciting and symbolic that we step into the Year of the Dragon. This year, the energy of the dragon — representing strength, luck, and wisdom — feels particularly resonant with our school spirit. As we return this week, let’s channel these qualities into our classrooms, our collaborations, and our community. It’s an opportune time to set ambitious goals, foster strong bonds, and approach challenges with courage and intelligence, just as the dragon would. ES DRAGON SHOW Yearbook Please follow this link to...

CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI! Recently, a conversation with a friend about living in Vietnam sparked a moment of gratitude for the unique experiences we’re privileged to have here at SSIS. It was particularly poignant as we gear up for the Lunar New Year. Our conversation reminded me of just how lucky we are to be able to experience both Western New Years and the Lunar New Years. In the spirit of UBUNTU, which emphasizes our interconnectedness and the strength found in our community, I’m filled with a sense of eager anticipation for these next two days. I hope you’re feeling...

As we gear up for another bustling week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone. Your incredible teamwork last week ensured that our students’ learning journey continued seamlessly, even amidst numerous illnesses. This is a testament to the amazing community we’ve built together. It was a wonderful example of UBUNTU. This week, we have a packed schedule with Ubuntu Sports Days, The High School Musical, data meetings, field trips, and various athletic events. Each of these activities plays a vital role in enriching our school environment and student experiences. It’s our collective spirit and dedication that make...

This past weekend marked a significant milestone for our school, as four of our elementary students participated in the inaugural Vietnam VEX National Robotics Championship in Hanoi. Under the guidance of Phu, who also supported our middle and high school teams, these young innovators faced challenges and celebrated triumphs. Catch a glimpse of their journey on the ES Dragon show, where their struggles and successes are highlighted. Their experiences in Hanoi have undoubtedly set a strong foundation for even greater achievements next year. Let’s extend our congratulations to these students when we see them on campus. To see who they...