Middle School Principal’s Letter
I warmly welcome all of you as we embark on another school year. I trust that you had a restful and enjoyable summer, and I am thrilled to welcome the new families joining our caring CAC community this year.
Our dedicated teachers have had ample time to recharge and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of new and returning students.
At the start of each academic year, we are fortunate to welcome new teacher, to our team, and it is with great pride that I introduce this year’s additions:
Ms. Lorraine Playfair – LA (6) is hailing us from Scotland
Ms. Nadine White – Psychologist -joining us from Doha
Mr. John White – Physical Education (8) – also coming from Doha
Mr. Jasen Hines – ELL (6-8) – arriving from Japan
Mr. Chris Broad – Disruptive Innovation and Technology – based in Cairo
Transitioning back to school after a leisurely summer break is overwhelming for students and parents. To facilitate a smooth adjustment and foster a positive mindset,
I would like to offer a few helpful tips:
- Gradually transition into a “school” sleep schedule to ensure sufficient rest and encourage a positive attitude towards returning to school.
- Allocate a designated basket for each child to store their shoes, bookbags, and jackets.
- Equip each child with a container filled with essential homework supplies that can be transported from one area of the house to another, such as from the kitchen to the computer room.
- Establish a place for each child to store important school papers, either within a section of your file cabinet or a designated box under their bed.
- Remember to keep supplies minimal and straightforward. Bulky and elaborate folders and notebooks can be cumbersome for students. Encourage your children to look forward to the new school year by having each person (including you) share at least two goals: one academic goal and one “fun” goal.
- During the first week of school, we will focus on establishing routines.
- I recommend holding a “Saturday Night Meeting” every week, where each family member gathers with their planners/calendars for a brief 10-15 minute “session.” This allows you to discuss schedules, plan rides home from after-school activities, and share any upcoming commitments to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Preparing for school the night before is another effective strategy to avoid chaotic mornings and prevent forgotten school supplies. Encourage your children to pack their homework, bookpacks, and lunch or lunch money before bedtime.
- Furthermore, setting out clothes, shoes and jackets in advance can streamline the morning routine. It is crucial for all students to utilize a homework planner. I encourage you to check your child’s planner every night until it becomes a routine for everyone.
- Regularly cleaning out bookbags is essential to prevent lost assignments. I suggest dedicating a specific time, such as during the Saturday Night Meeting to declutter and organize bookbags.
- Providing your children with choices can enhance cooperation during homework time. Consider offering options for dinner or different times for completing assignments. Empowering your children through choices fosters their cooperation.
- Recognizing and praising your children’s positive behavior is an effective way to improve cooperation. Offering specific compliments tailored to each child’s actions can have a profound impact. For example, “Thank you, Adam, for promptly starting your homework when you arrive home. I appreciate your diligence.” Positive praise goes a long way!
Lastly, I implore you to give yourself a well-deserved break. Congratulations on successfully navigating the first two days of school and I encourage you to schedule some time for self-care. You deserve it!
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and we anticipate working with you to strengthen the home-school partnership.
In Partnership,
Courtney Bailey
The Middle School Principal
Announcements
Middle School New Parents Orientation 2023-24
We would like to extend our welcome to the MS new families.
Please find the presentation to the MS new parents orientation HERE.
Wishing you a wonderful school year!
2023-24 Middle School Student/Parent Handbook
We strongly recommend that you review the MS Student/Parent Handbook 2023-24, found here, and will soon be found online on the school website www.cacegypt.org under the Middle School section.
Enrolling at CAC implies your support and full agreement to abide by all school rules and policies identified in the student handbook.
From the MS/HS Library
The CAC Libraries are now open! Our Saturday hours begin this weekend!
The CAC Libraries are open till 4pm on Sunday/Monday/Wednesday and on most Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Stop by!
Return your Overdue Books!
You will not be allowed to check out new books unless you have returned all books from the previous school year or summer. Everything must be returned!
Parent Library Orientation – September 4th!
If you would like to learn more about the CAC Libraries and what they have to offer for you and your children, please join us at 8am on September 4th in the MHS Library. Sign up to attend using this link: https://forms.gle/FBA8U7FN3DmEeoDSA
MS Activities & Sports
Here is a description of the Season 1 MS Activities and Athletics. The Sign Up form will be sent to parents and open on Sunday August 20th.
Three Cheers
Three Cheers to all our returning families.
Three Cheers to all our new families.
Three Cheers to Ms. Fahmy, Ms. Urbiztondo, and Ms. Spencer
for supporting new families with questions.
Three Cheers to the team leaders, Ms. Torky, Ms. Harouny, and Mr. Miller, for supporting new teachers.
Three Cheers to Ms. Nibal and the custodians for their effort to prepare the campus for opening day.
Three Cheers to our security guards for keeping the campus safe.