Principal's Pen

ECC & Elementary

Dear Parents,

It is wonderful to welcome everyone back to school as we begin the second semester! The start of a new term brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration between students, teachers, and families. For the last two weeks, students have been enthusiastically settling back into their routines and diving into their studies. The three weeks between the holidays are filled with meaningful learning experiences and positive connections within our classrooms.

This week, students have been diligently working on their MAP tests. These assessments help us understand their individual growth and areas of strength, guiding us in tailoring our teaching to better support each student. The students will complete their MAP testing next week, and we are proud of their efforts and perseverance during this important process.

We are especially excited to conclude these three weeks with a celebration of China Day, which is always a highlight of our school calendar! This year, our focus city is Chengdu, known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and unique cultural traditions. On China Day, students can explore Chengdu’s specialties through engaging activities, hands-on experiences, and learning about its cultural heritage. Please watch for detailed information regarding China Day, which will be shared through Class Dojo next Monday.

In addition, we are thrilled to announce the start of our school clubs! The club letter outlining this semester's exciting options was sent home yesterday. Please ensure the letter is completed and returned by Tuesday, January 21, so we can confirm student placements in their chosen clubs. Clubs will officially begin on Monday, February 10, just after the Chinese New Year Break. This is a wonderful way for students to reconnect with their peers and explore their interests as we continue our journey through the school year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. As always, if you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Let’s make this semester a time of joy, learning, and growth for all our students!

Warmly,

Miss Barsalou


Secondary

Dear Parents,

It has been a joy to be back in school. It’s been so fun to welcome so many new students and families to our school. Our halls have been very full of life! Students have spent the past two weeks adjusting to life in China and at TIS. I’ve been impressed with their willingness to dive right in and already get involved. Our non-new students have been especially warm and hospitable. They have welcomed these new friends with open arms. Special thanks to House Leaders and STUCO members for helping bridge gaps between new and old students. Welcome, new students, to this special place we call TIS. I know you will come to know and appreciate what we say here, “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

In other news, Robots have taken over! Last weekend our 8th Grade Robotics Club traveled to Wuhan to compete in a tournament. It was incredible to see the culmination of all their hard work. Teams worked to design, build, code, and drive their robots through a series of competitions. Additionally, our High Schoolers are on their way to Beijing to compete in their tournament as well. We are so proud of our Robotics teams and the work of Mrs. Mesfin as their teacher. If you have never been to a robotics event, you will have a chance to. The Friday after break, we will host the LifePlus VEX Robotics Tournament! Students from all our China LifePlus schools will compete for a variety of prizes and awards. Be on the lookout for more information as we get closer to the event. I look forward to seeing you there!

If you are looking forward to watching great athletic competitions, our Volleyball teams are traveling to Beijing tomorrow for their last tournament of the season. Coaches and players have worked so hard, and both girls and boys have dramatically improved. The annual LifePlus Basketball Tournament will also be next month! Schools from LifePlus will be in the gym, February 13-15. I can’t wait to see you cheering for the Eagles along with me!

As we go into next week, I hope you have a great Spring Festival break. I hope time with family, sharing laughs, memories, and good food will heal the soul. May 2025 bring even more blessings to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Mr. Way

School Wide Announcements

Divisional News

ECC & Elementary

Elementary Clubs

Elementary clubs will begin after Chinese New Year break. Please complete the signup sheet by Tuesday, January 21.

Guidance Counselor

SAT March 8 - Registration

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines

AP Extra Practice (VPN Needed)

https://www.youtube.com/@advancedplacement

ADD/DROP

The last day to ADD or DROP a class is January 21 at 3:20 p.m. After January 21 at 3:20 p.m., any changes in your schedule will result in a "Withdraw Pass/Fail" on your report card/transcript.

Athletics

• TIS MS Boys' Volleyball team will be competing in the ISAC Beijing/Tianjin Tournament this Saturday, January 18 at DCB school
• TIS MS Girls' Volleyball team will be competing in the ISAC Beijing/Tianjin Tournament this Saturday, January 18 at DSP school

Go Eagles!

PTO

Health Office

Globally, many countries, including America, China, and South Korea, are reporting increased pertussis (also known as whooping cough) infections in 2024. Pertussis is highly contagious and spreads when infected people cough or sneeze droplets into the air. Early cold-like symptoms are followed by episodes of rapid and violent coughing. The illness can progress to being severe and life-threatening. Treatment is with supportive measures and antibiotics, while prevention is through vaccination and general hygiene. Since the Fall and Winter seasons, over a thousand people have been infected each week, with many infections occurring in children under 12 years of age and not excluding teenagers. Authorities have urged people to stay up-to-date with pertussis vaccinations, and as immunity wanes, boosters are required.

TIS requirement of Tdap/DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis 3-in-one) is five doses for grades 1-8. Students must have a booster dose of Tdap after the age of 10 and before Grade 9. For the safety of students during extracurricular activities and travel, a tetanus booster shot is also required by the school. Please check your children’s immunization records and make plans to obtain this vaccine while traveling outside China because the booster shot of Tdap for teenagers is not available in mainland China. If your child missed this vaccination or others, the holidays are a good opportunity to get a catch-up shot.

House Points Total