MS Social Studies

A goal or focus of the Social Studies program at SIS is to lay the foundation for students to become empowered global citizens. This objective is achieved in a variety of ways. One method is to foster a learning environment where students learn in cooperative and collaborative settings. Additionally students are challenged to problem solve through independent research and group work.

Students are also challenged to demonstrate personal management by taking detailed notes. Much of the learning is self-directed as students are learning in a 21st century classroom in order to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century world. In Geography of the Eastern Hemisphere the 6th grade will be focusing on the geography, history, and culture of the Asian and African continent.

In Geography of the Western Hemisphere the 7th grade will be assessing the geography, culture, and history of North America, South America, and Europe. This promises to be a fun year of learning as the students in a short matter of time have continually demonstrated a keen and in-depth ability to make connections between the content and the everyday world in which we live!

HS Music

HS music classes have started strong and students are fully engaged in deciding what instruments they would like to pursue.  At the beginning of the school year HS music students have to make a hard decision about what instruments they want to master for the whole school year 2018-2019.  Students are able to switch instruments for the first month of school. However, after the end of August students will commit to doing their best in practicing and learning their chosen instruments.   

This year we have two HS band classes in grade 9 and a combined grades 10-12 class. These classes meet 2 or 3 times a week for 45 minutes. Our HS music classes focus on the motto “BAND” , which means,  B (be your best), A (aim for success), N (never give up) and D (demand excellence). Students may start the year timid and unsure of themselves, but with the help of Pak Priyadi they are able to master reading music and playing their chosen instrument.  

The HS after school band will also be starting in the second ASA session. This is an opportunity for students who cannot attend band classes during regular class times to explore their love of music. Once again as Chinese proverb says “A journey of thousand miles always start with a single step” so our band classes have started making some steps for our 2018-2019 school year journey.   Keep an eye out for upcoming music events that will be posted on the SIS website.