Tel: (237) 23342 1437 www.asddouala.com

Dear Parents,

This week, we were pleased to host Mr. Jeffrey Rusinek, the Regional Security Officer (RSO) from the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde. Mr. Rusinek spend the entire day on Tuesday with us at school, beginning with two assemblies—one for the Upper School and one for the Lower School—where he discussed the importance of practicing our security drills and being prepared. Then, during the day, we practiced three security drills. Mr. Rusinek observed our procedures, debriefed afterwards with the administrative staff, and is writing up his recommendations for further improvement. Finally, Mr. Rusinek addressed a group of parents at a meeting Wednesday evening about what we had done during the day, and answered their questions.

We take security at ASD very seriously, and are continually striving to update and improve our procedures. The RSO’s visit this week was one step in this ongoing process.

Best regards,

Dr. Beverly Sortland Director

IN THIS ISSUE: Security Drills, Physical Education News, Lower School Students of the Month

TALKING DRUMS

TALKING DRUMS

American School of Douala

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Edition 2014-2015 Issue 21 January 23rd, 2015

Students playing soccer

Accredited by

Feb. 11th

End of 2nd Quarter/1st

Semester; Reports sent Home Jan. 23rd

Feb. 20th

Mar. 5th –

16th

No School – Youth Day

Progress Reports sent home

NO SCHOOL – SPRING BREAK

Mark your Calendars!

Edition 2014-2015 Issue 21

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January 23rd, 2015

January Students of the Month

CHINONYEREM - GRADE 1-3 WINNER

ELENA - GRADE 4-5 WINNER

Chinonyerem, a first grade student, was nominated by Mrs. Deb ad Mr. Daniel. Mrs. Deb stated, “Chinonyerem never fails to enter our classroom without a smile and a positive attitude towards learning. She always participates in classroom discussions and gets right to work when an assignment is given out. She stays focused on her work and if she needs assistance, she is not afraid to ask. She works well with her peers and is always thoughtful and considerate towards them. We applaud her family for nurturing and supporting her as well as expecting the best from her at all times. She is a wonderful student, and it's an absolute pleasure to have her in class.”

Elena, a fifth grade student was nominated by Ms. Edube. She said the fifth grade nominated Elena for many reasons. She wrote Elena “has made tremendous improvement in her studies and social life since she got into ASD. Also her determination to give her best in her studies is seen as she pays attention and is more focused in class, grabs new concepts and is willing to learn. She is very polite and is nice to everyone around her. Even when others try to upset her, she is able to compose herself and speaks nicely back to them. She practically lives the ASD pledge.”

Lower School Winners

Two girls, one in the first grade and one in the fifth grade were selected as the students of the month for January. Congratulations to our students of the month!

Edition 2014-2015 Issue 21

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January 23rd, 2015

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During this academic year, our primary goal in P.E. is to promote the social, intellectual, and emotional benefits of physical activity and team play.

We are repeating some units that the students are familiar with; basketball, volleyball, football and badminton but we are also committed to motivate the students by introducing them to new skills.

Ms. Marianne and Coach Ice

We began the year with Handball, which the students enjoyed and quickly grasped. By breaking down each element of the game, the students gradually built their skills together and we witnessed some high quality games played at the end of the unit.

Next was Yoga, an activity that proved popular, particularly in the lower school. Yoga promotes strength, flexibility, balance and stamina. These qualities all prevent injury and benefit athletes in their respective sports.

Edition 2014-2015 Issue 21

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January 23rd, 2015

Soon to be introduced at ASD is Swimming, which is one of the best forms of exercise around. It quickly builds cardiovascular fitness, tones and strengthens muscles and is low impact (i.e.; does not put impact stress on joints as jogging does). We also promote swimming as a life skill; just a few basic skills can save a child’s life should they ever find themselves in difficulty in the water.

There is a strong belief that physical activity increases cognitive performance. Aside from increasing oxygen flow to the brain, it is believed to increase cell growth and also increase and strengthen the interconnections. We can maximize our children’s potential by getting them active!

Research has shown that playing team sports prepares children for real-life situations, helps them cope with set-backs and promotes friendships and assists in overcoming shyness.

Exchanging kicks of a ball with your child for 10 minutes, shooting some hoops with them, or joining them on a bike ride or a walk will show your child that physical activity has a place in their life and should be, above all, fun and enjoyable!