tasok talktasok talktasok talk - The American School of Kinshasa

April 30th,2015
Notes from the Superintendent
Superintendent’s Notes
TASOK Enrollment for 2015: Important Notice
The American School of Kinshasa
Rte de Matadi
Kinshasa, DRC
Phone: 08 188 46619
Fax: 646 619 4231
Website: www.tasok.net
TASOK TALK
As we move into May, TASOK grade levels, especially in elementary,
are filling up and moving to wait lists. Grade 2 and Grade 5 are now
closed. Grade 10 currently has one space remaining. Kindergarten now
has 3 spaces remaining. We note that 23 TASOK families still have not
yet submitted their re-enrollment forms. At this point not returning
your form may mean losing your child’s place. Please contact our Registrar Evelyne Lukeni who keeps all student records at registrar@tasok.net if you need another form. Parents with children in
grades 2 or 5 in 2015/2016 who have not yet returned forms must contact Evelyne immediately by email.
TASOK
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AGM & Board Elections Thursday May 14 6:30 pm in the CAC
All Parents of TASOK Students Are Eligible to Run for a Position on the TASOK Board
Every May at the second Association General Meeting (AGM) of the year, the parents and
full time faculty of TASOK elect members to fill vacancies on the TASOK Board. According
to the founding Constitution that established The American School of Kinshasa, the seven
voting, official Board Members responsible for governing the School are elected by the
parents and the faculty of TASOK. Every TASOK parent is eligible to run for a position.
However four of the seven members must be US citizens, by order of the TASOK Constitution.
The three main responsibilities of the TASOK Board are as follows.
Guide and protect the purpose and the identity of TASOK
Oversee and ensure the financial health of our school
Select, hire, and oversee the work of the TASOK superintendent
There are seven (7) voting members of the Board. Each member serves two years and then
must run for re-election. Because TASOK is an international school, of course people
move, so sometimes there may be more or fewer openings. All persons running in the
election must be able to serve two years, after they are elected. Newly elected Board members will start their terms on August 1, 2015.
Each of the seven voting members has a specific designation. When candidates run for the
Board they must choose a specific position to run for election. When you are elected to
that position and serve on the Board, you have an identified role on the Board. By Constitutional requirement, all positions are elected for a two year term of office. The seven voting
member positions are designated as follows:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Missionary Representative (Must be a member of a missionary organization in the DRC)
US Government Representative (Must be an official member of the US diplomatic community)
Member at Large
*The Constitution of the TASOK Association requires that four of the seven voting members must be US citizens.
Positions Open for Election on May 2015
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
US GOVERNMENTREPRESENTATIVE (Must be a part of the official US diplomatic presence in Kinshasa)
MEMBER AT LARGE
TASOK
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In order to run for the Board, you must select one position and declare your candidacy for
that position. Please note that in this election, three of the elected Board members must be
US citizens. There is only one US citizen among returning Board members.
Board Member Duties
President:
Vice President:
Facilitates all monthly Board Meetings, leads Board initiatives,
serves on one committee
Fulfills the duties of President in her/his absence, serves on one
committee
Secretary:
Serves as a voting member and serves on one committee
(Actual minutes recorded by a paid professional)
US Government Rep
Serves as a voting member, serves on one committee
Member at Large
Serves as a voting member, serves on one committee
All Board members must attend monthly Board Meetings on the first Thursday of the
month, from 4:30 pm usually until 6:00 or 6:30 pm.
TASOK’s continued health and progress depend on having a dynamic, serious Board elected by Association members. The Election and AGM are coming up in May 14 at 6:30pm.
If you would like to serve on the TASOK Board, choose a position, prepare an updated resume and a one page statement of your interest and your idea on why you would serve well
on the Board. Send those two documents attached to an email to registrar@tasok.net. Be
certain to identify the position you wish to fill and your full name and citizenship. Include
the names and grade levels of your children. The Elections Committee of the TASOK
Board will respond to your contact with further information.
Superintendent is Moving to a New Spot in Africa
Some time ago I was approached about accepting an interim director position at the American International School in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In March I traveled to Freetown with
another consultant from International Schools Services to research the feasibility of reopening the school after a year’s closure due to the West African Ebola epidemic. We
agreed at the end of our visit that reopening definitely is possible though it will take a great
deal of work and focus.
After my visit to consult and much thought I signed a contract about a week ago. I will
serve as the new director at AISFreetown for two years. I’ve been hired specifically to reopen the school after the year’s closure due to the epidemic. It is just the sort of big challenge I enjoy, and much better than retirement.
TASOK
Home of the Condors
April 30th,2015
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGHLIGHTS
Dear Parents,
This week I bring special messages to parents of incoming freshmen (current 8th graders)
and parents of outgoing seniors.
Parents of Seniors
Senior skip day is a tradition at TASOK and allows high school seniors to miss one day of
school without penalty. As previously announced, this year’s senior skip day has been scheduled for Monday, May 18th. We entrust TASOK seniors to your care on May 18th.
Parents of 8th graders:
The high school team is working closely with the middle school team to sponsor some timely
high school transition activities for 8th graders moving to 9th grade. It is an exciting time for
our 8th graders. It’s also an exciting time for their parents! In fact, we have scheduled a gathering to allow parents of 8th graders to connect with members of the high school team, so that
we team up and help our 8th graders make a smooth transition to high school. If you are a parent of an 8th grader who will be a 9th grader at TASOK this fall, please join us on Thursday,
May 7 at 8AM in the HS Counselor’s Office.
All the best,
Dr. Steve Charbonneau
TASOK
Home of the Condors
CPR Certification for Life Skills Students
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Certification has traditionally been part of the
HS Life Skills class curriculum. This year we were pleased to partner with the US Embassy
medical staff to again offer certification. It is an internationally recognized qualification that
students can include on their resumes.
Ms Matti and Ms Pauline from the Embassy, along with help from TASOK Nurse Mr. Dave
taught CPR for adults, children and infants. Students practiced with AED (automated external defibrillator) machines as well. Students learned how to:
Respond to cardiac, breathing and choking emergencies in adults, children and infants
Use an AED machine
http://tasokls.edublogs.org
Ms Chalier, Teacher
TASOK
Home of the Condors
Dear TASOK Community,
You are invited to attend the second annual
Possibilities & Partnerships Project Development Symposium
Join us Wednesday, May 27th as students showcase a year in review and reflect on their
research, project designs, and the low-cost, low-tech solutions they developed to meet real-world community needs in Kinshasa.
Possibilities and Partnerships is a unique, experiential course offered at The American
School of Kinshasa High School. The mission of this course is to empower high school students to seek local solutions to community needs through project based inquiry, research,
and partnership building.
Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Cultural Activities Center (CAC)
TASOK
Home of the Condors
Off the Map
written by Yasmin Sadrudin and Makeda Yemaneberhan
Off the Map is a play that highlights a couple lost in the world of marriage. The
cause of their argument is not initially stated, but is transmitted to the audience through
the metaphor of being geographically lost. Lost in Antarctica, the young couple try to find
their way out of the cold and into each other’s hearts again with the help of a friendly local.
To find out more, come see the play on either May 21st or 22nd.
The H.S. Drama Class Presents…
Who Are You?
Four One-Act Plays About Identity
Thursday and Friday, May 21st and 22nd
7:00 P.M.
TASOK Theater
Tickets are $5.00 Pre-Sale, or $10.00 at the Door!
TASOK
Home of the Condors
TASOK
Home of the Condors
April 30th,2015
Middle
SCHOOL
AN
D
o
C
u
t
S
S
M
CE
The MS Student Council is hosing their 3rd annual
End of the Year DANCE!
This dance is for all TASOK Middle School Students to
come and dance the night away with friends while celebrating the end of the school year!
Students are invited to bring snacks to share with friends
and $MONEY$ to buy additional drinks, pizza slices, popcorn, and other available
food items!
M a y 8th
Date: Frida
Time:
y
18:30—22:00
WHERE?
TASOK MIDDLE SCHOOL IT LAB
WHO’S INVITED?
TASOK Middle School Students Only
Tickets Available with Ms. Proenca for
$5 = Entrance, 1 Drink, & 2 pizza slices
TASOK
Home of the Condors
April 30th,2015
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HAPPENINGS
2015 Elementary Swim Gala
It is time for TASOK’s annual Elementary School Swim Gala! While heavy rain caused the
event to be postponed from its original date last Friday, the Swim Gala has been rescheduled and will now take place on Friday, May 15. Please mark your calendars!
The focus of this year’s gala is on allowing students to display correct swim skills and techniques. As a noncompetitive event, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their development of swim skills while enjoying time in the water with their classmates. The Elementary
Swim Program at TASOK focuses on providing swim lessons that
are based on the skills outlined by the American Red Cross Swim
Levels using a gentle, fun approach to learning. We consider student's learning styles, emotional needs, physical abilities and
skill levels, and our instruction aims to provide the safest, most
effective lessons for every student. The TASOK Swim Program
offers a unique, holistic approach to learning to swim by honoring the physical, cognitive and emotional development and wellbeing of every student. Our goal is
that the learning experience be as
enjoyable as possible for all children!
Below are the Foundational Beliefs of the Swim Program at
TASOK Elementary:
Everyone should learn to swim! Those who learn at an early
age are safer in and around the water and tend to enjoy
water activities throughout their lives.
Learning to swim can improve a child's physical, intellectual
and emotional development as well as build coordination, self-confidence and social skills.
Swimming is a family activity that can be enjoyed safely
once children are skilled. Swimming as a family can create fun and meaningful memories.
Flotation devices are not a substitute for supervision or
skills and should never be relied upon for an unskilled child's safety in the water.
Consistent participation in developmentally appropriate lessons builds successful, confident and happy swimmers for life!
Parents are welcome to come and observe their children in the Swim Gala festivities. See
you all on Friday, May 15 for fun in the pool!
TASOK
Home of the Condors
TASOK
Elementary
Student Council
invites your family to
DINNER AND
A MOVIE!
The Jungle Book
WHEN:
Saturday, May 9, 5:00PM
WHERE:
Secondary Basketball Court
WHAT TO BRING: Blankets to sit on
COST:
Free Admission
TASOK
Home of the Condors
Business Office Corner
2015-2016 Tuition Agreements & Invoices
for returning students
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Starting this week, invoices and tuition agreements for next school-year will be sent
home with your child. You will also receive a scanned copy of the invoice by email.
To allow the Business Office to update your records and prepare to receive your payments,
we ask that you fill out the “Yellow Tuition Agreement” indicating your choice of payment
plan, sign and return to us by Friday May 29, 2015. Instructions will come with the documents.
Please note that payment for next academic year is due by August 17 2015.
Distribution will follow this schedule:
April 27-30
: Grades 1-4
May 4-8
: Grades 5-8
May 11-15
: Grades 9-12
May 18-22
: Special Embassies and ESL
For your convenience, details on Elementary School supply kits are also included in the
packets.
Questions/Comments welcome. See frequently asked questions below.
Sincerely,
Kareen Laplanche
Business/Finance Manager
Email: business@tasok.net
+(243) 81-880-1330
TASOK
Home of the Condors
Vehicles for Sale!
2009 FORD Everest: Asking price 17,000 USD or best offer
2006 TOYOTA Coaster: Asking price 30,000 USD or best offer.
For more details please contact the Business Manager after March 16 by phone at
+243818846619/+243818801330 or by email at business@tasok.net.
TASOK
Home of the Condors
TASOK GALA 2015
TASOK PTC thanks the administration, the many volunteers and the sponsors who made
the 2015 TASOK GALA a memorable and successful event!
We all enjoyed the island-infused international entertainment by Show Tahiti Nui, J’affro’zz
and guests: Tamara Suffren, Nathalie Makoma and Jean Goubald.
…. and Jambo Juice, COMEXAS, TEXAF, Kitoko Food, BizCongo, BATCONGO, SODEFOR, YELO, In Vino Veritas Cellars, SELI SAFARI ZONGO, Limocello, CafConf and BRALIMA
TASOK
Home of the Condors
April 30th,2015
PTC Activities
CALENDAR
Mark your calendars for future PTC activities
May 9
May 28
Jun 10
Rummage Sale (9:00-12:30)
PTC end-of-year meeting (8:00-9:00)
Flowers for Graduation
TASOK
Home of the Condors
CAFETERIA
Elementary School
Grade 6 to 12
Monday
Potato w/Beef and Vegetable
$ 3.00
Tuesday
Spaghetti Bolognaise
$3.00
Wednesday
Hotdog – Chicken/Beef
$3.50
Thursday
Rice + Vegetable with Chicken
$3.50
Friday
Pizza
$3.00
Monday
Rice & Beans ($2.50), Chicken
Nugget W fries and salad
vegetable
($5.00)
Every day
Sandwiches
Chicken Sandwich
Tuna Sandwich
Veggie Sandwich
$3.00
$3.00
$3.00
Each meal and Sandwich will be accompanied by fruit and vegetable on
the side
Ceres Juice
Yogurt
$2.00
$1.00
Grade 6 to 12
(continued)
Sandwiches
Chicken Sandwich
Tuna Sandwich
Veggie Sandwich
$4.00
$4.00
$4.00
Snacks
Tuesday
Rice & Beans ($2.50),, Macaroni sautéed w/Chicken and
vegetable ($5.00)
Wednesday
Rice & Beans ($2.50),1/4
Chicken w/fries ($6.25)
Thursday
Rice & Beans ($2.50), Spaghetti Bolognaise ($5.00)
Friday
Rice & Beans ($2.50), Lasagna
($6.00)
Chips
Waffle
Yogurt
Orange
Apple
$2.00
$2.00
$1.00
$1.25
$2.00
Drinks
Ceres juice
$2.00
Every day
Samosa
$2.50
Spring rolls
$2.50
Hamburger Chicken or Beef
w/fries
$5.00
Shawarma Beef/ Chicken
w/fries
$5.00
TASOK
Home of the Condors
TASOK
Home of the Condors
TASOK
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The American School of Kinshasa (May 2015)
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
01
Saturday
02
Intl Labor
Day-School
Closed
03
04
05
06
Mock Exams
Grade 8 Transition Parent
meeting
08
07
Board Meeting
09
Orphanage
Visit
Grade
Rum8Transition mage
Day
MiSale
ddl
10
11
12
13
15
14
MS Stuco
Events
17
18
19
20
22
21
ElemStudent-Led
Condferences
24
25
26
27
Middle
School Drama
Production
End of Year
P&P presentation
29
28
PTC Meeting/
7Grade Drama
Parents Night
16
Kimbondo
Orphanage Visit
23
Kima
Mbangu
30
Spirit Day
and Pep
Rally(HS)
Talent
show/Art
Exhibit
TASOK Contact Information
Reception: 0818846619
Principal: 0815109714
Registrar: 0821767106
Superintendent: 0817005567
Business Manager: 0818801330
Nurse:
0972619325
TASOK
Superintendent’s office: 0810637556
Business Office: 0819531185
Email: adminassistant@tasok.net
Home of the Condors