What’s in the ITK Hotlist?
July 4, 2008
During the school year, the ITK hotlist will have time-sensitive items which ask parents to make note or respond by a certain date.
School Supply Savings Program - order by July 30
July 4, 2008
Save time, money and gas by ordering your school supplies through The International School School Supply Savings Program (SSSP)! Orders must be placed by July 30, 2008. Get SSSP info, order forms & supply lists here.
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Meeting Minutes: Annual Meeting of the TIS Board of Directors
June 3, 2008
The TIS Board of Directors reported on the school year’s numerous achievements and announced new initiatives at its well-attended annual meeting May 22. The Board elected Michelle Kerin as president, succeeding Rich Read, who completed his second three-year term. The Board reelected Kim Marcus as vice president, Mark Holman as treasurer and Michael Hummel as secretary.
Some highlights from committee and staff reports:
- Tuition revenues set a record for a third consecutive year. Contributions to the Annual Fund doubled last year’s donations, with 66 percent parent participation. Full-time faculty members received a record increase in compensation. The school passed its independent financial audit with flying colors.
- Admissions applications have broken another record. Almost 200 families visited the school during the year, double the number five years ago. Student retention is up.
- The school won accreditation from the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. Following training sessions, teachers are preparing to introduce the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program in the fall.
- The Human Relations committee has created and revised TIS job descriptions, formalized review processes for teachers and the Head of School, prepared a broadband compensation plan and reviewed and updated employment policies.
- The school spent $312,000 to purchase an adjacent lot appraised at $800,000. The school is preparing to lease a nearby building on Corbett Street for more classrooms.
- A Strategic Planning task force is developing a 15-year vision for TIS in preparation for a campus Master Plan.
- The Board is recruiting new members and renewing some terms. Don Mazziotti, Andrea Bartoloni, Ted Welch and Binny Arcot are ending their terms.
Also at the meeting, Rich Read reported that the Board had carefully reviewed letters, emails and comments from parents concerned about faculty morale, teacher compensation, the Head’s performance and the role of the Board. He said that the Board had met and voted unanimously in favor of four initiatives to address these concerns:
- A new Issue Management Procedure, enabling faculty and staff a clear procedure to resolve issues, questions and conflicts that arise in the workplace was enacted. This policy is being translated into the three languages for staff to review. The policy was introduced to the staff at its weekly meeting on Tuesday May 27 by Phil Sylla and Board members Kim Marcus and Michelle Kerin. Staff was encouraged to review the proposal, and if necessary propose comments and revisions to ensure that the procedure was appropriate for the school.
- Human relations training for all staff and faculty.
- Cross-cultural communication training for all staff and faculty.
- Services of a mediator to address communication and conflict in the workplace.
Parents asked questions and raised points on topics ranging from the new initiatives to employee background checks and the selection of educational materials.
The Board would like to thank all of the parents and staff who attended and submitted comments and proposals. If you want to know who is on the school’s Board of Trustees, the names are located on the school’s website.
Japanese Capstone Trip Presentation
June 2, 2008
The Japanese Capstone “ was a great experience for me. I had a great time learning about a different country and I am glad to have many friends in Japan.” By Kindra
“A great trip that shows the elegance and nature of Japan.” By Kento
“The most memorable time during the Capstone was the last day of school. I passed out presents and shook hands with friends to say good bye. I have great memories.”
“I loved having a homestay. The family was so nice, and it was great to experience real Japanese family life.” By Zeami
These are the voices of our fifth graders who just returned from Japan. They are going to share their experiences and pictures from Japan this Wednesday at 2:30 p.m at the Gym . Please come and join them!
Yukako Owen, 5th grade Japanese teacher, yukakotis@yahoo.com
Post-Auction Bazaar this Thursday Under the Tent
May 27, 2008
Remember your money on Thursday, May 29th, 2:30-4:00 pm! Under the playground tent you will find all sorts of fabulous items — unique artwork, coffee makers, gift certificates, just to name a few. Please come check it out and make us an offer — we don’t want to store this stuff for another 6 months!!
Kate Schweitzer
kate@northrimcommercial.com
Parent Input Needed on Parking/Traffic Issues
May 27, 2008
Dear Parents,
As noted in the “Head’s Corner” in the May 12th edition of ITK, a parent-driven committee is working on some short-term solutions to the traffic congestion and parking concerns during pick-up and drop-off times. We would appreciate input from parents about what you feel works and doesn’t work with the current traffic flow and parking options, and want to give you the opportunity to pose some solutions for the committee to review over the summer months. When thinking about your responses, please be aware that the streets surrounding TIS are city-owned property, so there are some limitations on what the school can do on these streets. (Please note: A campus master plan is currently being developed and the long-term traffic/parking issue will be addressed in this plan.)
Please click on the link below to tell us your thoughts on the subject!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gjiTSRKc6xqHJfNq13EPYQ_3d_3d
Last Week to Order Scrip
May 27, 2008
This is it!! The last week for Scrip orders. Orders MUST be placed by noon on Monday and will be delivered Thursday before noon.
Stock up now for the summer!!
Watch next week’s ITK for the winner of the $50 gift card in the final drawing of the year.
Thanks.
The Scrip Team
Edit your directory info
May 20, 2008
Please see your teacher (or look outside the classroom) to edit your directory information for next year’s book. Alternately, just send me an e-mail with your new info. For returning families, we will use the exact same information as last year unless you tell me otherwise. Want to add your cell number or put a new e-mail address? Please tell me now to beat the end of summer rush.
(This is the last year that we will need to do it this way - the school is getting a new database this summer which will make all our contact activity easier and more accurate.)
- Linda Bonder, Marketing Director, LBonder@intlschool.org, 503-226-2496 x104
TIS Garden Needs Your Hands and Help
May 19, 2008
GARDEN WORK PARTY May 24th!
Great way to get those final volunteer hours.
Have you noticed the flourishing garden on the hill? Thanks to Priscilla Lane-Kappes (a parent of a TIS alumna) the teachers and children of the kindergarten and first grades, we have a beautiful and bountiful garden. But, the weeds are growing and crowding out our fruit trees and berry bushes and we need hands and help.
Once or twice a year many of us pitch in and have a lot of fun working in our TIS garden. We are organizing a work party on Saturday, May 24th starting at 9am. The fruit/berry terraced hill needs tough but careful weeding, especially around each berry bush. Please bring gloves and tools for tough weeds (mostly thistle and grass).
We also need help watering the garden this summer. If you are coming to TIS summer camp consider getting a head start on your volunteer hours by watering our garden. I did it last summer and always enjoyed being amidst the beautiful vegetables and flowers. If you are available at all, please call Priscilla at 503 239-0496 to sign up.
Thank you!!
If you have any further questions please contact Ellen Goldsmith at ellengoldsmith@mac.com
Attend This Meeting
May 19, 2008
TIS Board of Directors Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Directors has drafted an interesting agenda for this meeting. Parents and Teachers, join the board in the gymnasium for this meeting, and you will
- get an update on the school’s recent purchase of the land where the apartment building burned, and potential uses for the site;
- hear about plans to renovate the Main Building;
- get an explanation of the school’s budget;
- learn about plans for the International High School;
- hear about the school’s recent accreditation, and our emerging Strategic Plan;
- and more!
Child care will be provided. See you there!
