ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
Com mun ity N ews l etter
Letter from the Director
CALENDAR
APRIL 2-9
NO SCHOOL
APRIL 14
PTO MEETING
9:30 am
APRIL 21
PARENT CONFERENCES
NO SCHOOL
9:00 am - 5:30 pm
APRIL 22
BOARD MEETING
7:00 pm
APRIL 23
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
7:00 pm
APRIL 28
BOARD RECEPTION FOR
POTENTIAL CANDIDATES
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MAY 6
AFTER SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES END
MAY 9-14
FIELD TRIP WEEK
Welcome to ASM’s new Advancement
Office
Over the past three years, ASM has become the school of choice for
international families coming to Milan, due mainly to:
✴ High standards in academic programs
✴ Continued commitment to the expansion of the curriculum, the arts and
sports
✴ Extensive and advanced technology program throughout the school
✴ Newly constructed areas including science labs, gymnasium, art suite etc
As a result of our improved reputation, we have seen increased enrolment
both with local and international families. Also our standing as a school
amongst international educators has seen a marked increase, as was
witnessed by the overwhelming numbers of applications from teachers to join
ASM this year.
As the ASM community sees and experiences these improvements firsthand,
it has expressed its desire for even further investment in teachers, facilities,
programs and equipment in order to ensure that our students receive the very
best American-international education in order to equip them for this 21st
century learning environment. In order to achieve this, the Board of Trustees
is implementing a Development Program, which will be a long-term
commitment to:
✴ Advancing the Mission of the school
MAY 13
BOARD MEETING
7:00 pm
✴ Fundraising
MAY 19
PTO MEETING
9:30 am
✴ Building relationships between the school and its supporters (current
families, alumni and outside organizations)
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
✴ Communications and publications
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ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
MAY 26
PTO GOODBYE
WORKSHOP
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
MAY 28
PTO TEACHER &
STAFFT
APPRECIATION
LUNCHEON
MAY 31 - JUNE 4
SPRING BOOK FAIR
JUNE 2
NO SCHOOL
JUNE 3
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
First call: 7:30 pm
Second call: 7:45 pm
Please see newsletter
sections for ES/MS/HS
specific dates.
In order to better manage admissions, communications and development, like
many American and International schools, we will be organizing these under
one umbrella: the Advancement Office, which will be headed up by Linda
Kavanagh, whom many of you know already from Admissions.
Soon you will be hearing of new initiatives from the Advancement Office,
many of which will be centered on our new Annual Fund program, which
will officially launch next fall. This is an exciting time for ASM as we embark
on a new phase in our history, which will lead us to create new and better
opportunities for all our students.
If you would like more information on the Annual Fund or the Advancement
Office, please contact Linda on [email protected] or 02-5300.0015.
Dr. Alan Austen
Director
Alan P. Austen, Ed. D.
Director
The American School of Milan
[email protected]
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
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ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
Diamo il benvenuto al nuovo Advancement Office
dell’ASM
Negli ultimi tre anni ASM è sempre più frequentemente la scelta preferita dalle famiglie internazionali che
arrivano a Milano. Questo lo si deve principalmente a:
✴ Programmi accademici caratterizzati da standard elevati;
✴ Un costante impegno nell’arricchimento dei programmi scolastici, delle materie artistiche e dello sport;
✴ Un ampio ed avanzato programma tecnologico che abbraccia tutti i livelli scolastici;
✴ La creazione di nuovi spazi per laboratori scientifici, la nuova palestra, laboratori d’arte ecc.
Alla continua crescita della nostra reputazione si accompagna un incremento delle domande d’ammissione, sia
da parte di famiglie italiane che di quelle internazionali. Inoltre, la crescente fama della nostra scuola in ambito
accademico internazionale è testimoniata anche dal grande numero di candidature che ci sono pervenute
quest’anno da parte di insegnanti che desiderano unirsi all’ASM.
La nostra comunità, che vede e sperimenta in prima persona questi cambiamenti, ha espresso il proprio
desiderio di investire ulteriormente sugli insegnanti e su strutture, progetti e attrezzature per offrire ai nostri
studenti la migliore educazione di stampo americano-internazionale, in grado di fornire loro i giusti strumenti
per ottenere un’istruzione di qualità adeguata al ventunesimo secolo. Per far questo, il nostro Consiglio
d’Amministrazione ha varato un programma di Development (Sviluppo); un impegno a lungo termine per:
✴ L’applicazione concreta della Mission della scuola
✴ La raccolta di fondi
✴ Una efficace Comunicazione verso la Comunità e verso l’esterno
✴ Costruzione di relazioni tra la scuola e quanti la sostengono: le famiglie attuali, gli ex-alunni e organizzazioni
esterne.
Per una più efficiente gestione delle ammissioni alla scuola, della comunicazione e del development, come in
molte scuole Americane e Internazionali, abbiamo deciso di riunire queste tre funzioni dando vita
all’Advancement Office. L’ufficio sarà diretto da Linda Kavanagh, già da molti di voi conosciuta nell’ambito
delle ammissioni.
Avrete presto notizia delle iniziative dell’Advancement Office, molte delle quali saranno incentrate sul nostro
nuovo programma di Raccolta Fondi Annuale (Annual Fund), il cui lancio ufficiale è previsto il prossimo
autunno. Questo è un momento speciale per ASM perché ci stiamo imbarcando in una nuova fase della nostra
storia che ci porterà a creare nuove e migliori opportunità per tutti i nostri studenti.
Per ricevere maggiori informazioni sulla Raccolta Fondi Annuale o sull’Advancement Office vi preghiamo di
contattare Linda all’indirizzo e-mail [email protected] o al numero di telefono 02-5300.0015.
Alan P. Austen, Ed. D.
Direttore
The American School of Milan
[email protected]
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
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ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
Board Candidates Announcement
The Board of Trustees would like to remind members of the General Assembly of the opportunity to contribute
in making a difference in their child’s education. The opportunity is the annual election for the membership to
the ASM Board of Trustees. This year’s election will be held during the Thursday, June 03, 2010 General
Assembly Meeting. With last year’s approval to increase membership to twelve (12) members, this year’s board
election is scheduled to have eight (8) positions available.
The board’s main responsibility is to set the strategic direction of the school. Recent decisions have included
facility renovations, governance changes and the incorporation of a revised strategic plan. These and other
decisions have a direct impact on ASM and your child’s educational future. Through board membership you
will be empowered to impact that future.
To ensure ASM is providing the best education possible each board member is asked to participate in supporting
the school with their time, energy and expertise. Membership is a very rewarding experience.
The current Board of Trustees (Maria Chizzali, Paul Dubetz, Tim Gaffney, Jeanne Juliao, Gerd Pircher,
Deborah Pezzotti, Mark Sullivan, Jeong-Hwa Yeo, and Eliana Zoia) encourage all members of the General
Assembly to consider being a candidate for the 2010-2011 Board of Trustees.
To reach out to potential candidates the Board will be hosting a Wine and Cheese reception on Wednesday,
April 28, 2010 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM to informally meet with potential candidates and address any questions
they may have. Board members also invite members to reach out to any of the current trustees, their respective
contact information can be found in the 2009-2010 ASM directory.
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
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ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
by the PTO Board
Our March meeting was exceptionally held in the new
PTO room by the atrium in order to celebrate its opening.
PTO members, you can book the room for your
meetings concerning PTO activities. Sign up on the
calendar at the PTO room door. On the day of the
meeting:
- go to the business office, sign and collect the key
from Tina ,
- use the room responsibly,
- return the key to the business office.
Are you relocating and you want to sell some pieces of furniture? Do you want to sell your car? Post an ad at
the PTO store.
Only private ads from ASM families please. Commercial ads will be removed.
!!
Join us on April 14 (9:00 coffee, meeting at 9:30). Hear an update on the PTO project for the renovation of
the Elementary kitchen into a Project Room for cooking lessons, Art and Science projects. Help plan our most
important fundraiser: International night and raffle.
"
As every year, the raffle will offer fantastic prizes
for all ages: from vacation weeks to sports
apparel, beauty products, wine, and much more.
Please contact the the raffle coordinators
Antonella Guarnieri and Ana Maria di Carlo if
you or anyone you know wish to sponsor a prize .
Help is also needed to organize the raffle draw on
the at International Night.
You can buy
your tickets now from the students and help them
win their pizza party, at the PTO store, at the PTO
meeting.
All proceeds will go to the PTO project for the
renovation of the Elementary kitchen into a
Project Room
Please call
Vera
Fostar
3474667167
or
email
[email protected] to join the nominating
committee or volunteer as PTO officer for year
2010/2011
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Austen and ASM for offering the pre-installation works of the Project
room. The PTO is grateful to the PAC, to students, teachers, parents who are involved in the MS/HS musical
Into the Woods going on stage this week for donating the funds raised to the
PTO project for the
renovation of the Elementary kitchen into a Project Room. Thank you for joining us in a common effort to improve a part of our school!
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
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ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
International Night Sponsorship Letter
Dear Parents,
The members of the Parent Teacher Organization of the American School of Milan are presently organizing
our principle fundraising event, International Night. This activity, to be held on Friday April 23, 2010 is the
celebration of the cultural diversity at ASM. Over 1,500 family members attend this special evening of music,
performances, raffle prizes and food, representing more than 50 different countries. Our goal this year is to
raise funds, which will be used for the project room.
In order to reach our goal, we ask parents and their companies to support the school as sponsors. In particular,
we are looking for an in-kind and or monetary donation for our raffle at the Grand Prize Level (value €2,000+).
In return for your generous donation, we will publicize your sponsorship in the following manner:
Prior to and after event night:
✴ School website: featuring your company logo
✴ School newspaper: featuring your company logo
✴ Publicity posters: featuring your company logo, on display for 2 weeks
✴ Event night:
✴ Display of prizes with sponsor’s name
✴ Verbal recognition/thanks during the raffle
✴ On request, we would be also happy to display posters and/or publicity materials provided by your firm
You may also choose to offer an in-kind or monetary donation at a lesser level. We need LOTS of prizes for the
raffle! Monetary donations will be used to purchase prizes.
Remember that everyone at International Night has fun, and its fundraising success depends on your support!
Thanking you in advance for your kind consideration of our request, we remain,
Sincerely yours,
PTO International Night Raffle Coordinators
Ana Maria Di Carlo
Antonella Guarnieri
Gentili Genitori,
I membri del Parents Teacher Organization (PTO) della scuola Americana di Milano , stanno preparando
l’evento principale per la raccolta di fondi, ‘’La Serata Internazionale””.
Quest’attività, che si terra il giorno Venerdì 23 aprile 2010, è la celebrazione della diversità culturale nella
nostra scuola. Circa 1.500 persone che rappresentano le famiglie di ASM partecipano a questa serata di
musica, spettacoli, premi e specialità culinarie di ben 40 diversi paesi. Il nostro traguardo quest’anno e’ quello
di raccogliere fondi che verranno usati per apportare alcune migliorie alla nostra scuola, tra cui il
rinnovamento della cucina per gli studenti nella zona elementare.
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
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ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
Allo scopo di raggiungere questo traguardo chiediamo cortesemente ai genitori e alle loro società di partecipare
come sponsor per la nostra lotteria.. Saremo grati se poteste contribuire con una donazione finanziaria o di
altro genere a voi più opportuno al fine di raggiungere un primo premio di circa 2000 euro e alcuni premi
secondari. In cambio delle vostre generose offerte, ci proponiamo di pubblicizzare gli sponsor nella seguente
maniera:
Prima e dopo la serata dell’evento:
✴ Website della Scuola; presentando il logo della vostra società.
✴ Giornale della Scuola; presentando il logo della vostra società.
✴ Poster pubblicitari: presentando il logo della vostra società’ sposti per due settimane.
✴ Serata dell’evento:
✴ Esposizione dei premi con il nome degli sponsor
✴ Ringraziamenti durante la serata
✴ Su richiesta saremo lieti di esporre poster e/o materiale pubblicitario fornito da voi.
Potreste anche scegliere di offrire una donazione più limitata.
Abbiamo bisogno di TANTI premi per la nostra lotteria! Le donazioni finanziarie saranno usate per comprare i
premi.
Ricordate, questo e’ un evento di grande divertimento per tutti, e gran parte del suo successo avviene grazie al
vostro contributo.
Grazie in anticipo per la vostra cooperazione e gentilezza.
Sinceramente vostre.
PTO International Night Raffle Coordinators
Ana Maria Di Carlo
Antonella Guarnieri
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
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ASM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
Dear ASM Community,
Due to the efforts of our students and the generous contributions of the entire ASM community, we have been
able to raise nearly 2,000 euro for Fondazione Francesca Rava’s relief efforts in Haiti. Furthermore, the texta-thon to benefit the Italian Red Cross was extremely successful with nearly all students in the Upper School
participating. I even witnessed a few students texting as many as 7 times during the event, instantly raising 14
euro for the Red Cross!
Many different groups and individuals organized events for fundraising as well. The letter writing campaign
was organized by grade 8 students Hiyori Takashima and Valentina Antollini, while bake sales were organized
and promoted by students in the senior class, as well as Ms. Gomez’s Upper School class. As part of the
elementary school’s 100th day of school celebration, Ms. Cassity’s kindergarten class helped start the
collection of relief supplies to be sent to Haiti. Each grade level brought in 100 items, such as school supplies,
toothbrushes and other essential products, which are greatly needed in Haiti after the earthquake. In all, over
700 items were collected and will be sent to help in the humanitarian aid effort.
And we are not done yet. National Honor Society students in the High School will be hosting their annual
dinner and talent show with all proceeds going to Fondazione Francesca Rava on April 13th. Details will be
sent out in the next few weeks about how to purchase tickets for this great event.
Thank you for everyone’s efforts and contributions in helping those affected by this terrible disaster in Haiti.
Our efforts demonstrate, once again, what we can accomplish as a school community when we all pull
together for a common cause.
Derrek Drenckpohl
CAS Coordinator
Maria Chizzali [email protected]
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