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October 3, 2022
Dear ASM Families,
As Muslims observe the birth of the prophet Mohammed this month we are all reminded of the infinite possibilities of a new life, provided our minds are open.
Art is a natural and wonderful way to nurture, cultivate, and challenge one’s thinking and community. Whether through art field trips or Halloween celebrations, outdoor exploratory learning or parent education sessions, ASM is committed to providing an open, accepting, and inclusive community promoting curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Indeed, as a graduate profile trait, open-mindedness reflects an aspiration and reality.
Nowhere is this more saliently represented than in the creation of the new Lower School Outdoor Classroom. This expansive multi-age and multi-use learning space of 3,000 m2 represents the latest research in play-based education and celebrates traditional Moroccan aesthetic and architectural features.
The ASM Outdoor Classroom truly is unique in all Morocco, creating opportunities for our youngest learners to explore, discover, create, and play. It also demonstrates ASM’s continuing commitment to innovation, growth, and renewal driven by a future-focused mission centered on student learning, leadership, and achievement.
The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, 12:30 - 1:30pm. It would be our distinct pleasure and honor to have your presence at this joyful celebration.
The Outdoor Classroom has been made possible by the very generous support of the Melchor and Bellaouchi Families. Not only have they financially underwritten the project, but also provided project management expertise and a commitment to the highest quality standards.
On behalf of all ASM families, I offer a heartfelt thank you to the Melchor and Bellaouchi Families for their inspiring vision and support!
Wishing you and your family a blessed and happy Mawlid al Nabi!
Casey M. Asato, Ed.D.
Head of School
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US Consul General and Section Chief, Casablanca, Visit ASM
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US Consul General Lawrence Randolph and new Consular Section Chief April Hayne learn about ASM's new Lower School Outdoor Classroom and future plans at ASM.
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Staff enjoy start of the year PTO "Pick-me-up" cakes, teas, and plants. Thank you PTO!
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Rain or shine, ASM Staff and families show their warrior spirit by challenging their limits at Terres d'Amanar outdoor park. Thank you PTO for arranging this adventure!
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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.
ASM - MIT/J-WEL Multi-year Collaboration
Kadiri Family & Apeejay Trust: $150,000
ASM MakerSpace/FabLab
Bellaouchi Family: $40,000
Kay Melchor: $10,000
Lower School Playground/Outdoor Classroom
Bellaouchi & Melchor Families: $108,500
Lower School Playground/Outdoor Classroom Professional Development
Greg & Alice Melchor: $25,000
ASM Roof Repair
Greg & Alice Melchor: $60,000
Madison Cox: $50,000
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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Capital Improvements Update
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As highlighted in my newsletter of last month, ASM's campus has been buzzing with capital improvements activity since the end of last year. Three very important projects vital to the future sustainability of the school are detailed below.
- Water Source & Distribution Project - The project is all but complete. ASM is in the process of contracting with a bureau de contrôle to officially receive the project and ensure the highest quality standards are met for our community.
- Roof Repair Project - At last check with the bureau d'études a week ago, the project was ahead of schedule for completion. We anticipate the project will be completed and officially received by the end of this month.
- Lower School Outdoor Classroom - In record-breaking time, the project will be completed within the next few weeks and be ready for the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, November 3, 2022. All are cordially welcome to attend this joyful celebration.
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ASM MakerSpace
To recap from the end of last year, on June 22nd, the ASM MakerSpace design team, including architect Saad Boujane (ASM C/O '14), MIT/J-WEL architect Emily Glass, and ASM Administration, met to review updated architectural designs and plan for next steps this year.
This summer, four ASM faculty had a wonderful opportunity to take specialized professional development to help build Maker talent and educational program capacities. We look forward to their contributions this year.
Thank you to the Bellaouchi and Melchor Families who have generously gifted $50,000 to support the construction and outfitting of the new MakerSpace! Thank you also to the Kadiri Family and Apeejay Trust for their underwriting of ASM's multi-year collaboration with MIT/J-WEL!
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Cafeteria Service: Lower & Upper School
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ASM has been very pleased with the quality and service of the food and beverage offerings presented by BH-Catering.
The company has been listening to students, staff, and parents and are continuing to make changes to improve its service to meet our needs. For example, stanchions have been ordered to help with ordering and pickup queues. 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 October's menu. You may review the menus and place your orders online at the website address provided below. Get your orders in!
Contact information:
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MSA Reaccreditation Update
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MSA Reaccreditation
ASM is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA). We are currently going through re-accreditation and are in the final phases of the self-study process: Phase V - Developing a Plan.
The MSA Planning Committee has examined the data collected in phases III and IV and worked collaboratively to identify key strategic priorities for the next 7 years. ASM has also submitted its Technical Review file ahead of schedule, which was accepted without revision by MSA. The self-study helped us identify three strategic priorities:
- Student Performance Objectives:
- Improved Reading Skills
- Improved Math Skills
- Organizational Capacity Objective:
- Improved School Facilities
We appreciate the whole school's efforts, including the participation by parents, students, teachers, staff, and board. Currently, we are preparing for the MSA Visiting Team's arrival at ASM scheduled for November 14 - 17, 2022. We look forward to their visit and sharing our story!
If you would like to learn more about the reaccreditation process or would like to join any committees, please inquire with Assistant Head of School, Mr. Mouad Tijani at mtijani@asm.ac.ma.
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New Teaching Assistants (Left to Right); Ms. Fatima Ezzahra Oubni, G3; Ms. Khaoula Mikal (maternity substitute for Fatima Zahra Jmiai)
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New Teaching Assistants
Welcome to Ms. Fatima Ezzahra Oubni in G3 and Ms. Khaoula Mikal, who will be substituting Ms. Fatima Zahra Jmiai while she is away on maternity leave. We are excited that these two educators have joined ASM and look forward to their contributions!
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Representatives from top universities in Education City, Doha, Qatar visited ASM September 30th to present their programs to our students. Universities represented: VCUarts, Weill Cornell Medicine, Texas A&M, Georgetown University, Northwestern
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College Counseling Newsletter
Read the latest College Counseling Office newsletter here.
College Counseling Appointments
Click here to sign-up for an appointment: CC Appointments
Reminders
- October 15 is the deadline for students who are applying to Oxford or Cambridge and certain courses in medicine in the UK.
- November 1 is a common deadline for students applying to colleges in the United States Early Action or Early Decision (this one is legally binding.)
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After School Activities Program (KG1 - G12)
ASM’s fall After School Activities (ASA) Program are in full swing! This program provides rich opportunities for extended learning experiences outside the traditional classroom. If you have any questions, please contact our ASA Program Coordinator, Mr. Badr Sadqaoui, at bsadqaoui@asm.ac.ma
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