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Bob Kanegis visits ASM KG classrooms from New Mexico as one of more than 80 storytellers who visited Marrakech for the 2nd Annual Marrakech International Storytelling Festival. "If you don't know the trees you may become lost in the forest. But if you don't know the stories you may become lost in life." - Siberian Elder
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March 1, 2023
Dear ASM Families,
Ramadan is a special time for Muslims around the world emphasizing reflection, spiritual growth, and kindness towards others. Each are common threads expressing values that tie our multi-faith community together.
This month our families will engage also in a reflective and active strategic planning process to set the course for ASM into the future. Led by John Littleford, a renowned educational consultant, students, parents, staff, board, and broader community members will collaborate to consider and set specific goals, strategies, objectives, and tactics on a wide range of areas spanning student achievement, teaching and learning, school climate & community, operations & resource management, institutional advancement, and board leadership.
Whether you are a student, parent, staff, administrator, or board member, your participation is essential to our collective success. Indeed, it is a great opportunity and privilege to be able to help shape the future of the school through the Strategic Planning and MSA Reaccreditation processes; both executed this year.
As we dream and plan for the future, I am delighted to share several value-added projects that will enhance student experiences next year. These include the installation of a photovoltaic solar array, construction of an Upper School MakerSpace, and remodeling of the campus bathrooms.
If you would like to help support any of these three projects, please contact my office. As we have seen by the generous contributions of ASM families with the Lower School Outdoor Classroom, MIT/J-WEL collaboration, IBDP Program, Roof Renovation, and MakerSpace, you have the opportunity and power to transform lives through your valuable contributions.
As we prepare for Ramadan, let us recall the bright threads that connect each of us in our ASM community, drawing us to leadership, growth, and kindness.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Casey M. Asato, Ed.D.
Head of School
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Strategic Planning
ASM has engaged with Littleford & Associates to lead our Strategic Planning Process that is tentatively scheduled for the week of March 13 - 18, 2023 (Mon - Sat).
John Littleford is one of the top consultants in the world for strategic planning, board governance, executive searches, and compensation systems in schools. He is frequently sought after to advise schools and universities, and to present at international conferences.
Similar to the MSA Reaccreditation process, the whole ASM community's participation is required. Monday through Friday, there will be a series of Focus Groups involving students, parents, teachers, administrators, and board. The process will culminate on Saturday, where a smaller group will participate in a Workshop to set the strategic goals and objectives based upon the Focus Group's input.
If you have not already responded to the Google form invitations to participate, please do so ASAP. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please inquire at the Head of School office.
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ASM Going Greener with Photovoltaic Array
ASM is preparing for the purchase and installation of a photovoltaic array to be completed this summer that would generate 70-80% of our daytime consumption of electricity, annually based.
Over 20 years, the panels are projected to save 884 tons of CO2, or approximately 1,680 trees annually, or 33,600 trees over 20 years. It is also expected the save about 105,000 DH/year or 2.1m DH over 20 years at current consumption and cost rates.
The project is estimated to cost under 800k DH. Subtracting this cost and the Bureau d'Etude study, ASM would net a savings of 1.3m DH.
If you would like to contribute to supporting this Green Project, please contact the Head of School!
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SUPPORTING ASM
We are deeply thankful for the strong support of ASM by our community members. Their time, talents, connections, and financial gifts help to promote and underwrite initiatives and programs that enhance all of ASM students' educational experience.
Lower School Outdoor Classroom
Bellaouchi & Melchor Families: >$260,000
ASM - MIT/J-WEL Multi-year Collaboration
Kadiri Family & Apeejay Trust: $200,000
ASM Roof Repair
Greg & Alice Melchor: $60,000
Madison Cox: $50,000
ASM MakerSpace/FabLab
Bellaouchi Family: $40,000
Kay Melchor: $10,000
Lower School Outdoor Classroom Professional Development
Greg & Alice Melchor: $25,000
Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention Books
MacMartin Family: 60,500 DH
Upright Piano
Jaouad Kadiri: 60,000 DH
KG0, KG3, Library, & Lower School Division Head Office Refresh
Bellaouchi Family: 30,000 DH
ASM Library Lessons Program (KG3-G6)
Anonymous KG Family: 10,000 DH
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Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
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Thank you to the PTO for generously supporting our students and teachers with the MasterClasses, fun activities, and pleasant surprises!
We especially enjoyed the back-to-back activities of Valentines Day and the well-attended Staff BBQ held after school on February 15th. The Valentine's Day crafting stations, face-painting, and animated movies provided a wonderful time for lower- and middle-school students. Meanwhile the impromptu karaoke singing and dancing by staff and students at the BBQ were uplifting to spirits and community!
A special thank you goes to the parents who donated for the concession stands and to those who actively helped out during the events. The funds raised at the Valentine's Day event will be used to support future events like this one to strengthen the ASM community.
The PTO would like to ask for your feedback in the following short, 8-question survey regarding your interest in being featured in an ASM Community Business Directory.
The purpose of the directory is to come together as an ASM community even outside of campus by supporting the local family businesses under the motto "Stay Local, Play Local, Buy Local."
Please click on the following link or poster below to take the survey.
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Over the February break last week, Facilities & Grounds Manager Said Arkoub and Head of School Casey Asato met with the Conseil Régional des Architectes de la Région de Marrakech-Safi to help prepare the way for permitting application as we await additional concept designs from local architects for the Upper School MakerSpace. We aim to finalize the designs and submit them for permitting so that the construction process of the ASM MakerSpace can proceed this spring.
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Celebrating STEAM Curriculum Week
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Thank you to the STEAM Department for its stimulating curricular week (February 13 - 17) of fun-filled challenges, such as the "Ping Pong Pickup Challenge." This annual challenge gives students the opportunity to use problem solving, team work, and communication skills to design, build, and test contraptions.
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Cafeteria Service: Lower School & Upper School
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BH-Catering continues to seek feedback from students, staff, and parents in order to improve its service and meet our needs. BH-Catering General Director, Mr. Hicham Bortali, reiterated that he is excited to work with ASM and welcomes inquiries by email or phone.
Please see below for this month's menu. You may review the menu and place your orders online at the website address provided below. Get your orders in!
Contact information:
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College Counseling Newsletter
Read the latest College Counseling Office newsletter here.
Parent Information Session
Grades 9-12 College Counseling
On Tuesday, March 21, families in grades 9-12 are invited to discuss internship opportunities for the upcoming break and summer. Click here for more information.
- Date & Time: Tuesday, March 21, 2:15 - 3:00 p.m.
- Location: ASM Assembly Hall
College Counseling Appointments
Click here to sign-up for an appointment: CC Appointments
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After School Activities Program (KG1 - G12)
ASM’s spring After School Activities (ASA) Program is scheduled for the period of February 6th - June 1. This program provides rich opportunities for extended learning experiences outside the traditional classroom. Some are offered free of charge by our staff while others are on a fee basis offered by outside vendors. If you have any questions, please contact our ASA Program Coordinator, Mr. Badr Sadqaoui, at bsadqaoui@asm.ac.ma
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