Middle School Principal’s Letter
Dear Parents,
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s edition of News and Views. It was a special week in Middle School for several reasons. First and foremost, we had an extraordinary guest, astronaut Ricky Arnold, on-campus speaking to our students and community members. Secondly, it was the Student Council elections on Monday morning.
Mr. Arnold was a former international school teacher, and he shared how important it was for students attending a world-class international school such as CAC to work hard. The focus of Mr. Arnold’s talk was on internationalism. He referred to the International Space Station built with the cooperation of countries from all around the world. You could hear the passion in his voice when he shared how they put aside their differences for a good cause. Mr. Arnold felt he was blessed working with a multinational crew of astronauts.
After hearing Mr. Arnold shared his experience on the space shuttle, it made me reflect on some of the speeches given earlier in the morning by our students. Here are a few key quotes from the candidates.
“Keeping connected is vital in middle school. We are all going through a lot, and it is important to open yourself to others’ perspectives and keep their best interests at heart. You can learn so much from socializing outside your circle and reaching out to people in different grades or those who may not have a tight friendship group.”
“I have attended seven schools across four continents. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I will bring the positives to this school, so together we can make our school even better.”
“I want to give back to the school that I love so much. I also want to be that friendly face for new students coming in, and a defender for students already here.”
“I enjoy living outside my comfort zone! I am only in the seventh-grade running for president.”
“I am half Ukrainian and half Jordanian. I’ve lived in Syria, Ukraine, Jordan, and now, Egypt,” “The method or idea of leading for me is to lead by passion. We all can do incredible things, but we need to desire and work harder. CAC would be a better place to be if we all would work together as a team.”
“It gives me great pleasure to help others and show kindness. I am here for all of you because that is part of my character. I love to interact with everyone and get to know new people”.
“I believe that is precisely the variety of thoughts, minds, ethnicities, and character that make our middle school unique, and a force to be reckoned with,” another added.
“When we do create our own choices, this is when we make the most impact.” Because our choices and opinions are what make the most change.”
“Because middle school isn’t easy. And I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a role model that can understand you.”
“I don’t have too many complaints – because we go to one of the best schools in the world.” But because we have it right, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to make it better.”
“Imagine a middle school where we all dream big and work together to accomplish small and large goals.”
Thank you to the following students ( Anna Radu, Jude Yeo, Vidit Sikarwar, Ella Hammerich, Isabella Harris, Hoda Abou Ghali, Diya George, Nadia Hamarneh, Mariam Gamali, Lara Sena, Tia Fikry, Greyden Sanchez and Malak El Sadek) who participated in the STUCO elections and shared with us their inner thoughts and vision for the upcoming year in middle school.
Mr. Arnold praised our student body and reminded them to dream big. He told them when he was their age; he never thought he would be an astronaut. Therefore, they should never give up on themselves; instead, they should persevere. As parents, you have trusted us with your child to build their characters. And motivate them to become positive members of their communities. From the words shared from their speeches, I believe they are ready to flourish and reach their full potential. Our students have a vision for the middle school as well as for themselves.
Thank you for your continuous support of the middle school.
In Partnership,
Courtney Bailey
The Middle School Principal
From the MS/HS Library
Parent orientation to the CAC libraries – September 18
Join us to learn about the print and digital resources that the CAC libraries can offer. We will have two sessions: one at 8:00 am and one at 2:15 pm, both at the ES Library.
As part of the orientation, we will look at the new Sora app to access our ebooks and digital audiobooks. Please download the Sora app to your mobile device before the session.
New password for EBSCO
Please note that we have had to change the password for accessing the EBSCO databases. The new password can be found on the home page of the library catalog. (You will need to log in with your CAC single sign on to see the home page.)
From the Middle School Announcements
Student Council Executive Officer Elections
Congratulation to all the candidates for putting forth excellent effort with campaigning and performing superb speeches today. We are so proud of all of you!
Congratulations to this year’s newly elected Student Council Executive Officers:
President: Ella Hammerich
Vice President: Jude Yeo
Treasurer: Greyden Sanchez
Secretary: Isabella Harris
STUCO Representatives
If you are interested in being a Student Council Representative for your grade please make sure you attend an important informational meeting on Monday, Sept 16th during lunch in room 225.
Three Cheers
Three Cheers to the IT department for their support with MAP testing.
Three Cheers to all teachers who proctored a MAP test this week.
Three Cheers to all the teachers who will chaperone the welcome back social on Thursday.
Three Cheers to Ms. Spencer for organizing the new student luncheon on Thursday.