June 2015
Welcome to AISB Middle School! We look forward to seeing you as part of our Orientation Program on,
Wednesday, August 19th, 2015. The Middle School Orientation Program will run from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The purpose of the Orientation Program is as follows:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
All new parents and students will learn about our Middle School Program and have the opportunity to
have their questions answered.
All students will complete the MAP Survey Assessment (Measurement of Academic Progress) by the
end of the day. This assessment takes 45 minutes to complete, and there are 3 available times. (Please
see the schedule below.)
World Language: Students who have previous experience studying a World Language (French, German,
Spanish) will complete a World Language placement test. (Please see the schedule below.) Please note
that your child’s language placement will be based on placement test results and course availability.
Students and parents will have the opportunity to meet Grade Level Leaders and complete a course
selection sheet.
Parents and students will have the opportunity to learn about the transportation and school lunch
options that are available at AISB.
Students will meet the Middle School Counselor, other students and teachers. A tour of the campus and
a snack will also be a highlight of the visit.
Parents will have the opportunity to learn more about the laptop requirement and ask any questions
that they may have. (All new students in grades 6-12 will need their own personal laptop.)
Students will receive a snack (pizza) during their visit with the Counselor and Student Ambassadors. The
cafeteria will be open for parents to purchase snacks throughout the day.
We look forward to meeting you and your child in order to make their first day of school a happy and successful
one!
Wednesday, August 19th, 2015
Parent and Student Schedule
Time
Activity
Location
8:00-8:15
Arrival. Pick up Packets in MS Lobby. Refreshments available.
MS Lobby
8:00-9:20
World Language Placement Tests
WL placements tests are for students who have previously studied a
World Language.
Parents-Wait while students test, sign up for busing, lunch program.
MS Lobby
Students wait in
lobby to be called
for testing.
8:15-9:15
MAP Survey Test (Session One)
The MAP assessment lasts 45 minutes. Students can choose from one of
three sessions. **Please only choose this session if you do not need to
take a placement test for EAL or WL.
Parents- Sign up for email account with tech department.
Curriculum RoomLocated on MS floor
9:25-10:25
MAP Survey Test (Session Two)
The MAP assessment lasts 45 minutes. Students can choose from one of
three sessions. Parents- Wait while testing happens.
Curriculum Room
10:45 – 11:05
Welcome and Introductions
1. AISB Director, Paul Slocombe
2. Middle School Principal, Andrew Ball
3. Middle School Counselor, Nancy Seibel
4. Middle School PSA Representatives, Annelies Van der Donckt
and Clara Bystrand
Theater
11:10 – 11:45
Grade Level Presentations and Course Selection
6th Grade
Faculty Lounge
with Ms. Seibel
7th Grade
Black Box B001
with Mr. Ball
8th Grade
Drama Room B006
with Mr. Lavoie
11:50 -12:50
Coffee Chat for New Parents
Meet with the Middle School Principal, Team Leaders, Athletic Director,
the Student Life Coordinator. They will answer any questions pertaining
to their programs.
Faculty Dining
Room
11:50 -12:50
Ice Breaker with New and Returning AISB Students Followed by a Tour
of the School
Snack will be served.
Main Lobby w/MS
Counselor, Nancy
Seibel
12:50
All Parents and Students Meet Back in the MS Lobby
MS Lobby
12:50-13:50
MAP Survey Test (Session 3)
The MAP assessment lasts 45 minutes. Students can choose from one of
three sessions. Parents- Wait while testing happens.
Curriculum Room
On-Going Throughout the Day
8:00-11:00
9:00-14:00
Refreshments in the Middle School Foyer
Bus and Lunch Service (sign up in the Main Lobby)
The First Day of AISB Middle School (Grades 6 – 8)
Monday, August 24th, 2015
8:30 a.m.
The first day of school is Monday, August 24th, 2015, and will be a full day. Middle School students will report
to their Advisory at 8:30 a.m. Dismissal will be at 3:30 p.m. Advisory class lists will be posted in main lobby
indicating each student’s Advisory teacher and room number.
Students may come to school by bus (please make prior arrangements with Sargent Bus Services or Capital in
August), or parents may bring children to school. If you choose to bring your child to school, we request that
you drop him or her at the lobby and don’t visit teachers at that time. Teachers need to give their full attention
to their students during those first hours of school. We thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
For those unable to make bus arrangements prior to the first day of school, bus transportation representatives
will be available in the main entrance of the school all morning on August 24th to meet with parents.
Students are asked not to bring their laptops to school on the first day of the school year.
The Parent School Association (PSA) graciously sponsors a reception, Donuts @ Drop-off, on the first day of
school, August 24, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. in the MS/HS Café in Bldg. B. This is a great opportunity for you to meet
other new parents as well as parents of current students. All parents are invited to attend.
We look forward to seeing you all on Monday, August 24th, 2015 for the first day of school and wish you a
successful year ahead. Enjoy your summer and let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Andrew Ball
Middle School Principal
American International School of Budapest
MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT SUPPLY INFORMATION FOR: 2015-2016
Below is a suggested list of general supplies that students in grades 6, 7 and 8 often need during the
school year. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list as individual subject teachers may have special
requirements for their particular courses. Please note that the students are not expected to have all of
the supplies with them on the first day of school. However, they would be expected to have everything
that they might need to fully participate by September 1.
Each Middle School student will need a laptop for next school year. This link will give you specific
information on the requirements. Most other items listed can be found at the large stores carrying
school supplies (e.g., Auchan, Müller, Tesco, Office Depot). Once the year begins, teachers will identify
any additional special supply requirements for individual subjects. We have included photos of the
supplies to help clarify notebook types requested at the end of this document.
Student Supplies Information - Grade 8:
Assignment book (provided by the school and required for use)
Large metal-ring binder with dividers
Extra subject dividers for the binder
Loose-leaf paper suitable for use with or without binders
2 A4 Lined spiral notebooks (One for Science Class, One for World Geography (100 to 120 page))
1 A4 spiral lined notebook (70 sheet) - Health and Wellness
1 Grid Lined note book for math (60-100 pages)
Earbud headphones
Blue and black pens
Pencils
Erasers
Colored pencils
Colored markers
Colored highlighter set
30 cm ruler
Scissors
Hole punch
Glue stick
Protractor
Compass
Math calculator: It is recommended that a scientific calculator (Sin, Cos and Tan Keys) be purchased.
You can get good local models (TI, Casio, Sharp) for about 2000-5000 HUF.
Physical Education: indoor sport shoes, athletic shorts, T-shirt (not a spaghetti strapped low cut top)
sport socks (white), sweatshirt, and sweatpants or warm-up suit for outside during cooler weather.
Please note that physical education clothes cannot be the same clothes students wear to other classes.
We would also like to advise students to have a hat for sun protection during the hotter weather and
reusable water bottle.
Students Supplies Information- Grade 7:
Assignment book (provided by the school and required for use)
Large metal-ring binder with dividers - Humanities
Loose-leaf paper suitable for use with or without binders
1 A4 spiral lined notebook (70 sheet) - Health and Wellness
1 A4 lined notebook - Science
2 A4 carry files with lock
Earbud headphones
Blue and black pens
Pencils
Erasers
Colored pencils
Colored markers
Colored highlighter set of four
30 cm ruler
Glue stick (2-3)
Physical Education: indoor sport shoes, athletic shorts, T-shirt (not a spaghetti strapped low cut top)
sport socks (white), sweatshirt, and sweatpants or warm-up suit for outside during cooler weather.
Please note that physical education clothes cannot be the same clothes students wear to other classes.
We would also like to advise students to have a hat for sun protection during the hotter weather and
reusable water bottle.
Students Supplies Information - Grade 6:
Assignment book (provided by the school and required for use)
Earbud headphones
2 A4 Notebooks with graphing paper - Math
2 A4 Notebooks with lines - Humanities
1 A4 spiral lined notebook 70 sheet - Health and Wellness
8 Packets of Sticky Notes: 4 small (appr. 5 x 3.7cm) and 4 medium packets (7.5 x 7.5cm)
Blue and black pens
Pencils / Colored Pencils
Erasers / Pencil Sharpener
Colored highlighter set
2 Composition notebooks (Marble back) - Humanities - Available at school store, not in Hungary
Physical Education:
Indoor sport shoes, athletic shorts, T-shirt (not a spaghetti strapped low cut top) sport socks (white),
sweatshirt, and sweatpants or warm-up suit for outside during cooler weather. Please note that
physical education clothes cannot be the same clothes students wear to other classes. We would also
like to advise students to have a hat for sun protection during the hotter weather and reusable water
bottle.
Notebook Samples
A4 lined notebook:
Marble Back Composition Notebook ( 9 ¾ * 7 ½ inches)
AISB MS STUDENT SCHEDULING FORM
Parents: In order to help develop each student’s schedule, we are asking all students/parents to complete
this form. Thank you in advance for you help. Please have your child return this form when complete in
order to have his or her schedule completed on time for next year.
1. My name is : ___________________________. I will be in Grade ______ next year.
2. Would you like to be in BAND next year? (Newcomers are welcome!)
YES or NO (circle one)
If you answered YES, please answer the following questions:
a) Which instrument would you like to play in band next year? ____________________
b) How many years have you played this instrument? ____________
c) How long have you been in band? ______________________________________
Students in grades 6 and 7 will take all exploratory class (Art,Drama,Health and Wellness, Music) unless
they sign up for Band. Students in Band will take one exploratory during the year. Grade 8 students will
take Major (1 Semester in length) and one Minor (1 Quarter in length).
3. Which World Language would you like to enroll in?
We offer French, German and Spanish. _________________________
a) How many years have you taken this language? __________________
*Placement test will be given to students before enrolling in a world language.
Parents, please read and sign below.
I have helped my child complete this form. I acknowledge their choice to be in Band if they have chosen
to participate. I understand that World Language placement will be completed and students placed in their
appropriate classes as recommended by their World Language teacher.
Parent’s Name: _______________________________________
Parent’s Signature:____________________________________ Date: _________
We need this information for course scheduling for all students. If you have any questions, please email
the MS counselor at nseibel@aisb.hu.
Please scan and email back to the American International School of Budapest.
www.aisb.hu / Fax +36-30-556-003
American International School of Budapest
Bring Your Own Laptop/Device Program (BYOD)
Dear Parents,
We want to remind parents of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to all of Middle and High School. This means
that every student in Middle and High School will need to have a laptop to attend classes.
Our goal in sharing this information with you now is to preview the transition, allow time for you to ask questions,
and use the summer vacation to consider purchasing a laptop for your child.
You can find more information about the expectations of the BYOD below.
Sincerely,
Derek Luebbe
High School Principal
dluebbe@aisb.hu
Andrew Ball
Middle School Principal
aball@aisb.hu
Christopher Zavits
IT Director
czavits@aisb.hu
======================================================================================
=
Practical Steps for Parents
1. If your child is in Middle School or High School next year they will be required to bring a laptop to class.
2. We recommend a relatively new Mac. A PC (windows) laptop is acceptable. Laptops must be no
more than 3 years old. (tablets and netbooks are not acceptable)
3. Purchase instructions for new Macs:
a. iStyle, our Apple Educational Partner will give special discounts to AISB parents. They have
our parent list and only require that you show identification that matches our school records.
b. The Apple purchase can be made at any iStyle store, but we recommend the Mammut Mall
branch.
4. A hard-shell case must be purchased to protect your child’s laptop.
5. If curriculum-specific software is needed for a class the school will install it as and when needed.
6. Families are responsible for ensuring that their child’s laptop has antivirus software.
7. If parents are concerned about loss we have location software suggestions on the Frequently Asked
Questions.
1. What is a BYOD program and how does it work?
● Parents purchase laptops for their children that meet basic hardware/software requirements.
● AISB will install needed educational software used in classes and for projects. Families will retain
computers and administration rights, and will be responsible for the control of the computer and its uses.
● Regardless of the type of computer, software can be found to work with either Windows or Mac.
● AISB will provide information each year about updated minimum specifications required for laptops used
at the school. This information will include the acceptable hard drive size, memory and age of the
computer.
●
When the student leaves AISB, they are expected to remove all school-provided software as per AISB’s
license user agreements.
2. Student-owned computers at AISB.
● Your child’s computer does not have to be new. The computer must be reliable and have good battery
life (6 hours minimum).
● The school requires that students have a laptop of some kind. MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, or PC (for
example: Dell, HP, Sanyo, Sony, etc...) of some kind that will meet their academic needs. Most of the
software required for MS & HS programs are available in both Apple OS and Windows format and much
of the school work will be web-based.
● iPads and iPods are great learning tools. However, they can not offer the same versatility or achieve the
same educational expectations as a laptop.
3. Level of School Support:
AISB has created a partnership with our new Apple Educational Partner iStyle. We have been an Apple school
for over a decade and plan to continue this relationship. We have been working with iStyle to give AISB parents
the best purchase value possible for an Apple product. iStyle and Apple will be giving parents a substantial
discount for laptops and for iPads. The discounts may dependent on the time of year.
Apple Solution Experts for Education will be in constant contact with the school and enable our technicians to
diagnose problems and give advice.
● The iStyle / Apple help line is: +36 80 983 435
● A phone call is the best method for troubleshooting help, but if you need to email, please use:
support@istyle.hu
● The iStyle purchase help email is: webbolt@istyle.eu
● iStyle and AISB will train students and staff to be Apple ambassadors and we will have a help desk in the
MS/HS area.
● We do not have a partnership with any single PC maker. This means that the help we are able to provide
will be limited for PC users.
● Students will receive help from the IT department for initial setup of the computers on the school network.
4. What’s the Goal of BYOD?
The goal of BYOD is to transform learning into a flexible, collaborative, real-world experience for all our students.
We want our teachers and students involved in media-rich, student-centered, project based, learning.
Research has found that the best scenario for how technology can most effectively improve student
learning is with a one-to-one ratio of computers to students.
5. Advantages of students having their own computer at school
● Families have the choice to use their preferred operating systems and/or computers they already own
● Families have the freedom to improve student laptops, thus providing newer technologies more rapidly
● Computer ownership ensures that all learners have the skills and confidence to integrate technology into
their present and future learning
● There is more self-directed learning and individualized learning
● BYOD allows for differentiation learning through individualized, collaborative and whole class
activities/projects both at school and home
● Learners become more accountable and independent
● Learners become producers and distributors of knowledge
● Technology meets the needs of various models of learning i.e. more visuals and sound. This multisensory aspect aids learning and comprehension
●
Ownership of equipment changes the way students treat their computers and how they are used
in class
6. Digital Awareness
Middle School and High School students presently participate in the Digital Bootcamp program. These courses
and training sessions are designed to introduce students to using technology in a school environment. It will be
reviewed and updated every year for all students in grades 6-12.
The MS/HS School Bootcamp - outline can be found here.
This program will include, but not be limited to:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Understanding how to use the school’s ICT infrastructure for a variety of purposes including:
○ Google Drive and its applications (Text Docs, Sheets, Presentations, Forms, Drawings)
○ Email, Calendars, Groups, Forums
○ Blogs, Sites
Understand how to access and use the school’s Learning Management System, Veracross
proper etiquette when communicating through email, chats or social networks
technology health and wellness - ergonomics and electromagnetic radiation exposure
technology literacy and law - understanding plagiarism and how to properly research online
online security - keep personal information offline, keep safe online (phishing, chats and cyber bullying)
mindfulness with technology
7. Frequently Asked Questions:
7.1 Who is responsible for backing up files?
Students are responsible for their own backup. The school recommends that students back up to Google Drive
cloud storage once a week at least. There is no limit on backup size. Backup every day is ideal bus not practical.
7.2 Who is responsible for software updates?
Students will be responsible for ensuring their laptop has antivirus software and that they keep all software
updated as required. Students must ensure that they leave enough space on their computers to maintain updates
and install software for curricular purposes.
7.3 LOST laptop! What do we do?
The school will use all resources available to help students find a lost laptop. It is important to keep laptops in
sight or in a locked locker to ensure it’s safety. It is very important to have your child’s computer identified with a
permanent mark of some kind. Name and email address or phone number work great if written on the bottom of
the laptop. Location software can also be purchased at reasonable prices (remember to set the firmware
password first).
● Find My Mac - is available on any new Macbook - location services must be enabled.
● Hidden - will take photos of the thief
● Prey - open source - will locate and take a photo of the thief
● Undercover 5 - will deliver information and photos of thief - yearly fee
Lost or stolen property is treated seriously at AISB.
7.4 How many devices can I have on the network?
You are allowed to use as many devices as you own on our network. A maximum of two devices will be used at
one time by one student.
7.5 Will I be able to print?
Students will have the ability to print, yet they will be encouraged to print as little as possible. Google Applications
for education and other academic software will allow students to submit paperless assignments.
7.6 Where will I be able to charge my laptop?
Students will be expected to come to school with their laptops fully charged every morning. The best case
scenario is to have a newer computer that will hold a charge all day (less than 3 years old). Middle school
students can charge their laptops during morning break and during lunch break only. They cannot leave their
computer unattended while charging.
The school experienced great success during the 2013-15 school years creating a charger free
environment during the school day. Students have taken responsibility for ensuring they come to school
with laptops charged and ready to work.
7.7 What are the minimum specifications expected for my laptop?
● 1.4 GHz processing speed
● 128 GB HD space (external Hard Drive for backup is recommended)
● wifi capable
● at least 2-4GB RAM
● no more than 3 years old - if a laptop is more than four years old we can not guarantee support.
7.8 What about viruses and spyware?
We recommend Kaspersky, McAfee or Norton. Other free products are available from Avast, AVG and Secunia. It
is important to keep software, plugins and virus definitions up to date on all your devices. This helps protect your
child, your home network, and the school’s network.
7.9 In order for us to be able to help all students with network or software issues, please ensure that your child’s
operating system is in either English or Hungarian.
●
●
Our technicians are fluent in both Hungarian and English
Our Integrationists can troubleshoot in English
7.10 Where can I ask more questions?
FAQs