ANNUAL REPORT
2014
Cayman International School
11
Conclusion
30
Message from the Director
18
05
Demographics, Expansion & Finances
Curriculum, Arts, Activities & Highlights
07
06
Table of Contents
36
Service Learning
Faculty & Staff
15
Strategic Planning
Academic Results
CHARACTER
SERVICE
00,000,000
0,000,000
Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly, or it vanishes. Peter Drucker
$
Be the change you wish to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi
KNOWLEDGE
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore.
Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. Dennis Prager
Architecture
landscape
DESIGN
03
Jeremy Moore
Message from the DIRECTOR
Cayman International School is an organization of excellence that continues its remarkable advancement and growth.
Dear CIS Community: The purpose of this report is to impart summary information to the community and to highlight the progress and achievements of the school and its students during the 2013-14 school year. While there is an abundance of data that will be shared and analyzed, perhaps some of the most significant measures of success that are clearly evident when walking the halls of Cayman International School are the smiles on the faces of children and the sounds of laughter that fill the air. The positive school culture is palpable and profound, and when guests are here to visit, it does not take them long to stop being mesmerized by the beautiful buildings and start focusing on the happiness and synergy that permeates the walls. People at CIS of all ages, nations and beliefs sincerely care for one another, and are active together in meaningful learning and growth. There are few better places one can be than on a school campus where good things are happening; and as this report will explicate, there are great things happening at Cayman International School.
Jeremy Moore, PhD Director
Serving as an institutional compass, the Mission Statement, School Beliefs, Parameters, and Student Learner Outcomes are foundational documents which define and guide our school.
One of the primary school initiatives this year, the CIS strategic planning process involved data from parent, student and staff surveys, input from stakeholder meetings, and collaboration among key representatives who comprised the Strategic Planning Committee. CIS employed an internationally respected and experienced consultant, Mr. Harlan Lyso, to facilitate the process of revising the CIS foundational documents and developing a new strategic plan that will guide CIS improvements in the future. Newly revised foundational documents and the new strategic plan will be presented in the fall. Strategic planning is an organizational management activity that is used to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, ensure that employees and other stakeholders are working toward common goals, establish agreement around intended outcomes/results, and assess and adjust the organization's direction in response to a changing environment. It is a disciplined effort that produces fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, who it serves, what it does, and why it does it, with a focus on the future. - Balanced Scorecard Institute Representatives from all stakeholder groups served on the Strategic Planning Committee, including Anna Haydon (Early Childhood Faculty), Leanne Wright-Gray (Elementary Faculty), Megan Irving (Middle School Faculty), Sarah Dyer (High School Faculty and IB Coordinator), Rita Imparato (Curriculum Coordinator), Wendy Foreman (Office Manager), April McIntosh (Early Childhood Parent and PTA representative), Ian Whan Tong (Elementary Parent), Sharon Roulstone (Middle School Parent), Jennifer Pierre (High School Parent), Glenda McTaggart (DART representative), Sebastian Pantin (High School Student), Hannah Ebanks (High School Student), Nimmi Sekhar (Assistant Principal), Angie Leaver (Early Childhood and Elementary Principal), Doug Murphy (Secondary Principal), Jeremy Moore (Director), and David Randall (Vice President, International Schools Services). The service, commitment and collaboration among these individuals was highly valued and appreciated as the new plan was developed. The new CIS Strategic Plan is under review by the CIS Board. Upon approval, the new plan will be unveiled in the fall of the 2014-15 school year.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests provide information about a child’s instructional level and measures academic growth over the course of the school year. MAP tests are unique in that the questions adapt for the child’s level of learning. This is the first year that MAP was fully implemented in the school, and it will continue to be employed in grades 3-8, with students taking the test twice annually. Results from this assessment provides data and information on many different levels that can be utilized to guide instruction and future practice. All early childhood and elementary teachers maintain assessment binders for their students, with each grade level having developed a series of common assessments for the students. At the elementary level these include the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) and Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS). These two assessments in the area of reading/language arts have enabled us to better communicate with parents on the demonstrated progress of their children in the various components of reading development. The DRA is also used in Grades 6-8 to monitor students who may have experienced difficulty in reading during the school year. There are additional formative assessments utilized by teachers in mathematics, spelling, and other areas in order to analyze student progress. In addition, the DIAL 4 assessment was utilized to help provide information about our youngest learners in the Early Childhood Program Students in grade 10 complete the PSAT, high school students sit the SAT, and students in grade 12 are provided with the opportunity to take International Baccalaureate (IB) external examinations. The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is taken to prepare students for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). The SAT is a standardized test commonly used for admissions in most colleges and universities in the United States. IB examinations are rigorous assessments that are externally graded. Students can earn credits at universities based on their scores on IB exams.
Cayman International School recognizes that assessment is an integral component of a meaningful teaching and learning process. We believe that the overarching purpose of assessment is to ensure the success and continual growth of our students.
ACADEMIC RESULTS
Results from the Spring 2014 MAP Reading and MAP Math tests, indicate that CIS students outperformed their peers in the United States, surpassed their peers in the region (Tri-Association), and demonstrated higher scores than the All International Schools average at every grade level assessed.
(Scroll to view Math results)
MAP TESTING
(Scroll to view additional IB results graphs)
Cayman International School has the only IB Diploma Programme in the Cayman Islands, and the CIS program is in its fifth year of development. IB Chemistry was added at the start of the 2013-14 school year, and new courses will continue to be added based on student enrollment and interest. CIS partners with Pamoja to offer seven additional IB courses online.
The IB Program at CIS continues to grow and reach new milestones, and for the third year in a row, 100% of CIS candidates earned the IB Diploma.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
University acceptances
The Class of 2014 will be continuing their education at the following institutions: - Craven College, North Yorkshire (pending IB results) - Indiana University, Bloomington - Northeastern University, Boston - Savannah College of Art & Design - University of Birmingham, England (pending IB results) - University of Kent, Canterbury (pending IB results) - University of Miami - University of Tampa - University of Western Ontario, Huron University College - University of Wisconsin - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The Class of 2014 is the seventh graduating class of Cayman International School. All of the graduates will be attending universities in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
There are 103 students at CIS (representing one fifth of the school population) who claim multiple nationalities.
There are over 30 nationalities represented at Cayman International School.
ENROLLMENT
(Scroll to view additional enrollment data)
During the 2013-14 school year, Homeroom class sizes ranged from 13 to 18 students, depending on grade level, and will continue to remain close to this range. Enrollment peaked at 510, an increase of 45 students over the previous year. The Secondary School experienced the largest growth of any division. CIS will not have more than three sections at any grade level, and will begin the 2014-15 school year with admissions wait lists in multiple grade levels. Enrollment projections remain strong, and CIS will have the capacity to accommodate more students in the future with an expanded facility. Faculty and staff numbers will continue to increase in relation to student enrollment increases.
(Scroll to view expansion time line)
Cayman International School and DART Enterprises maintain a strong partnership, and the remarkable campus facilities continue to be a source of pride for the school. A multi-year expansion project will commence in June of this year, beginning with the first phase that includes four new classrooms, three offices, a relocated Technology Lab, expanded Library, and new Multi-purpose room. All buildings will remain two stories and each of the classroom blocks will be extended. This exciting project will allow for increased student enrollment and further development of programming.
EXPANSION
The two graphs to the left reflect the actual income and actual expenses of CIS for the 2012-13 fiscal year. CIS is financed mainly by the tuition generated each school year. As a proprietary school, it is governed by ISS Cayman Ltd and the finances generated must meet the expenses incurred during the school year. The largest expenditure for the school is employee salaries and benefits. CIS has a relatively large number of teachers for the size of the school, thus enabling the school to maintain a lower student/teacher ratio and a variety of specialty programs.
FINANCES
(Scroll to view income graph)
Cayman International School is very proud of its high quality faculty and staff. Students often cite 'positive relationships with the teachers' as a favorite aspect of their school experience, and parents frequently praise the faculty for their professionalism and dedication to children.
Each year we have teachers who depart CIS; this year is no exception. With the large number of globally-minded teachers hired at CIS, departing teachers are ready for new challenges and experiences in their home countries or other adventures in locations around the world. CIS will say goodbye to the following teachers: - Lisa Sullivan: After 5 years at CIS, Ms. Lisa is relocating with her husband who has accepted a new professional challenge in Greenville, South Carolina. - Shaun Schaller and Alyssa Brock: Mr. Shaun and Ms. Alyssa have accepted new positions at the International School of Latvia as they continue to explore the world. - Woody Kramm: After 42 years in education, Mr. Woody is retiring with his wife Cynthia to Bainbridge Island, WA. - Amy Vander Els: Ms. Amy is fulfilling a life long dream of opening her own art studio back in her home of New Hampshire. - Karen Schaper: Currently expecting her second child, Ms. Karen will be staying home with her expanded family. - Monica Hanson: Ms. Monica will be staying in Cayman and working on her own private ventures in education - Annarie Boor: Ms. Annarie will be relocating with her family back to the UK as her husband is repositioned for employment.
The numbers of faculty and staff at CIS continue to increase as the school grows. There will be 59 faculty and 25 staff employed at CIS for the 2014-15 school year. We are thrilled to welcome a group of outstanding new faculty and staff members to the CIS family in August.
(Scroll to view new faculty introductions)
CIS is a family. We all care for each other and we love to celebrate special events together! - CIS staff member
Teaching is the world’s most noble profession, and due to the kids, the families and excellent school environment, there is no better place to teach than at CIS. - CIS teacher
(Click on video to view a "Happy" CIS staff)
The curriculum review process resulted in a change of standards that will be utilized in the future. Next year, CIS will change from AERO standards and will follow the Common Core standards for Mathematics and Reading Language Arts. These changes and rationalizations were explained at Parent Coffee sessions during the year. Teacher and parent meetings on MAP testing and reporting of results were conducted. Technology standards for CIS are the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards. A series of curricular events (i.e. Family math Night) were conducted for parents to help them understand the CIS curriculum and assist them in helping their child with academic activities. Students continued with Portfolios and Student Led Conferences. The Individualized Spelling Program continues to be a beneficial and differentiated program for students. A review of the Early Childhood curriculum began, and is still underway. A new process for specific graduation requirement waivers for high achieving Secondary students was established and implemented. The IB Extended Essay Boot Camp assisted Grade 11 students in tackling this IB project. The Atlas Rubicon curriculum mapping program developed further and is being utilized in new ways to enhance interdisciplinary teaching. Some grade level curriculum activities highlights include: Habitats Projects (Gr 1), Egg Drop and Scientific Method (Gr 2), Inventions and Creative Problem Solving (Gr 3), and Roman Festival and Ancient Civilizations (Gr 4) and Literacy and Integrated Projects with Social Studies (Gr 5)
Curriculum Highlights
CURRICULUM
Technology
Technology Highlights
Installation of a robust Cisco/Meraki Wireless system throughout the campus resulted in reliable and high quality connectivy. Both faculty and students have their own login with different privileges. An on-line dashboard allows the administrator of the system the ability to monitor and adjust usage. This new “state of the art” wireless system provides strong wireless connectivity to support the BYOD/One-to-one device program at CIS. Google Drive, which includes an online productivity suite, has become widely used by grades 4-12 at CIS. Both students and teachers have a school Google account that makes it easier to collaborate on projects and facilitates communication between students and faculty via email. The Robotics program was expanded and the new LEGO robotics resources were utilized in Middle School classes and elementary after-school activities. CIS has a “private” YouTube account that allows us up upload video and photos of school events. These can then be downloaded by parents. Our new, on-line Typing Club course was taken by grades 4 and 5. Next year this will expand to grade three as well. CIS will pilot web-based MAP testing for future flexibility and enhancements.
Library System Upgrades
The library catalog (Destiny) was upgraded to the current version, from 9.8 to 11.5. With this upgrade CIS moved the catalog to the Follett servers. Both the migration and the upgrade have positively affected students, teachers and parents at CIS. With the catalog now in the Follett cloud, CIS patrons can access Destiny from home. They are able to search for books in the catalog, use Webpath Express (a database/search engine within the system) and also check out and read Follettshelf eBooks. Destiny is now accessible on every student device, CIS owned and otherwise, and is also available as a free app through iTunes. The library has taken advantage of the app on several school iPads, which have been added to the library catalog computer and assist students with finding books during library classes. This migration and update will allow CIS patrons to create usernames/passwords for the catalog, allowing them the opportunity to log in directly, write reviews and create their own reading lists—as well as access Follettshelf without separate credentials. The migration and update ensures that all back-ups to catalog data and technical issues are taken care of by Follett directly. Follett provided a seamless transition from one server to the other and the updates to the system have been productive.
Library
Saturday Open Library sessions for families - 9 sessions during the year Battle of the Books club and competition with St. Ignatius at Georgetown Public Library -20 students from grades 5-8 (two separate clubs/divisions) Birthday Book program for student and teacher donations - 82 book donations Purchase of additional databases and periodicals, including Brainpop JR, Tumblebooks, and Voicethread Upgraded the library catalog, opening access from off-campus, allowing student accounts to be set up in conjunction with Follettshelf Full inventory and evaluation of novel studies for coming year, allowing students to check out a novel over the summer for Summer Reading activities Spelling club for grades 3-5 and 1-2, including participation in school Spelling Bee and island-wide Spelling Bee Involvement with IB EE program (Bootcamp and meeting with individual students) Author visits to Camana Bay through Books & Books store Adoption of new library standards (AASL) Technology/library in-services for information literacy Full library inventory and collection analysis at the end of the year New organization of other sections of the library (guided reading, literature circles, novel studies) READING WEEK HIGHLIGHTS -Reading Fair in the ARC—and winners went to Georgetown Public Library to compete against the public -Book swap for the entire school -Organized visit from Janan Cain (author and illustrator) to meet with students on campus -Visit to the public library Implementation of student textbook contracts Implemented teacher resource boxes and a better organization for teacher’s materials in the secondary school Organized a system (password database) to be implemented in 2014-2015 school year for entire school Updated and organized the library Webpage to meet needs of students, families and teachers
Library Highlights
Guidance
Guidance Department Highlights
CIS hosted the first Cayman Islands University Fair with the Council of International Schools, with 35 USA Universities in attendance. In total, approximately 50 colleges from Canada and USA visited the CIS campus this year. 100% of students in the graduating class of 2014 were accepted to universities. and 100% are planning to attend University next year in USA, Canada or UK. Six students were nominated for the Cayman Islands ‘Proud of Them’ national campaign. Two students applied for the DART Minds Inspired Scholarship for High School, and one is a finalist. David L. won the Cayman Islands national “Pursuit of Excellence Award.” Secondary guidance programs over the course of the year focused on healthy choices, drug and alcohol education and awareness, cyberbullying, college exploration and applications, college essay writing workshops, career exploration, building empathy skills, building resiliency, and positive communication skills. CIS hosted Drug and Alcohol presentations by the National Drug Council (for students and parents) and Cayman Police Department (for students). We offered several programs and educational newsletters to parents to help combat bullying. We have increased our SAT preparation program, including offering a full length Saturday practice exam. CIS is an AP exam site, SSAT exam site, and SAT exam site and is registered with the NCAA.
Music & Band Highlights
CIS organized and hosted the first annual Private Schools Association Interscholastic Band Festival. This event hosted bands from CIS, St. Ignatius, and Cayman Prep where they performed for and with each other under the guidance of guest conductor David McKee from Virginia Tech. The CIS Advanced Band received a “Superior” rating during the performance portion of this event. 4th Consecutive Gold Award at NCFA for Elementary Choir 4th Consecutive Gold Award at NCFA for Advanced Band Middle School Band received 2 Silver Awards at NCFA (first time sending Grade 7 students) Advanced Band attended a master class with Professor Natalie Chia of San Jose State University while in San Francisco A CIS student, Tsin Zan G., was selected as a Finalist in the Young Musician of the Year Competition 5th Grade choir performed at the Camana Bay Christmas Tree Lighting (5 consecutive years) Continued individual success in NCFA solos, including several Gold Awards Another successful CIS Idol, with over 22 student and teacher acts Band students attended concerts and master classes during the Cayman Arts Festival, working with String Fever, Danny Driver and Amy Dickson The Band program continued to expand its performances, including assemblies, pep rallies, International Day, and other holiday festivities Expanded use of music technology tools, including Smart Music, Audiotool, and others Expanded Spring Music Showcases in order to extend the performance opportunities for our Elementary students as well as holding our first formal Band Concert highlighted on the stage Hosted numerous informal performance opportunities in conjunction with the Visual Art program, including an Open Mic night at the final Art Exhibition
Music & band
Visual arts
Visual Arts Highlights
International Baccalaureate Art Exhibition hosted in Camana Bay in March K-12 Art exhibition and Open Mic Night hosted in Camana Bay in May "Red Sky At Night" - 4th grade participation in the Tree Decorating Competition Students in the Studio Art and Creative Writing classes collaborated to create and submit works of art and literature to the first edition of The Raven literary magazine 2nd Annual Empty Bowls/Feed Our Futures fundraiser raised over $3000 to fight childhood hunger on Grand Cayman; students in grades 4-12 participated by creating ceramic bowls, volunteering and performing at the event Open Art Studio on Monday afternoons for faculty and staff members Kirsten E. was awarded the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands Excellence in Art Award at the 2014 CIS Graduation ceremony
The performing arts department was very busy, and this year saw CIS producing the musical Aladdin, again showcasing students from Kindergarten through grade 12. We were proud of the increased participation from our students in all areas of our program, and this year our drama elective class produced all the stage props and scenery for the production, along with helping to design the main cast costuming for the first time. We also prepared the annual “Adventures in Motion” performance to showcase the dance and physical theatre departments within the school, and our Mime and Movement students participated in this performance which was held in the ARC. For the third year in a row our students participated in OFQUAL performing arts exams, administered through PTD and tests were completed in Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance and Musical Theatre Acting. We were very proud of the CIS Spirit Squad this year as they grew in spirit and we also introduced the full CIS Spirit Squad Uniform for the first time – pom poms and all!
Drama & Dance Highlights
Drama & Dance
There were three activity sessions held during the year with a variety of sports, academic courses, crafts and fine arts offered each session. Activities included: Netball, Dodgeball, Tennis, Karate, Music, Art, Ballet, Choir, Dance, Yoga, Spirit Squad, Cooking, Meditation, Book Club, and more. A new after-school girls soccer activity was very popular with elementary students as they advanced rapidly during their sessions. On the opening day of the Winter Olympics CIS hosted an Olympics Day for elementary students including field events that simulated winter sports. CIS elementary students participated in a track and field event at Truman Bodden Stadium. Students enjoyed experiences outside of the classroom that reinforced curricular connections, including: Ms. Lassie's House (Cayman culture), Motions Unlimited, Glass Bottom Boat, Astronomy at night at Pedro's Castle, and many more. Many elementary students were involved in the 8th annual CIS Idol. Elementary Student Leadership organized the following events during the year: - Halloween Boo Snacks - Giving Tree- Toys for Children at Christmas (Children and Family Services) - Food Donation (ARK at Christmas Time) - CIS Pool Party in January (Money went to the Blue Iguana Fund to take care of Bob, the CIS adopted iguana, for another year) - Provided desserts for the Empty Bowls event at CIS - Hosted a Spring Bake Sale - Donated Money to: Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, Hospice and Blue Iguana Fund - First ever Pop Mania event for all K-5 students
Elementary Highlights
activities & Sports
For the first time, CIS Elementary students participated in "Destination Imagination," a world-wide enrichment initiative focused on creativity and problem-solving. Students, faculty and parents attended the Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee along with thousands of other students from around the world.
(Click on video to see CIS at Global Finals)
The 2013-2014 school year started with representatives across the secondary student body speaking on a live radio program to advertise their activity/sport for the season. Senior Jack Graham represented boys’ football, as the season was beginning. Mr. Gene had members of the band perform for the radio program. Mr. Doug, Mr. Shaun (football coach), and Ms. Katie K spoke about CIS extracurricular activities and sports options on campus. Model United Nations (MUN): The CIS MUN team traveled to Chicago and participated in the global MUN Conference for the second time. They are now studying Syria (a more complex system of government to analyze) in preparation for the conference next year. Debate Team: In its second year of existence, the CIS debate team won the Cayman National Championship in three rounds against Clifton Hunter High School, St. Ignatius, and finally defeating John Gray High School. The event took place at the CI court house and was broadcast on the radio. CIS continues to be a leader in organizing interscholastic sports in Cayman. Swimming: CIS hosted the Annual PSA Swim Gala, with five teams from island schools competing. A total of 16 student athletes participated, the most CIS has had participate. Volleyball: The CIS volleyball team expanded to include two competition teams instead of one. These teams competed against seven different island schools throughout its season. Football: The CIS Athletics Committee organized and sponsored the Fourth Annual PSA Football Tournament. The boys and girls grew to two competitive teams each this year for their seasons and the tournament. Basketball: CIS Athletics Committee organized and sponsored the Third Annual International Blue Iguana Basketball Jamboree. Teams from the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cayman Islands participated. Middle School Leadership: This group organized and participated in the Welcome Back BBQ event, Dodgeball Tournament, Spirit Day, Christmas Food Drive with ARC Organization, Pool Party, and other events and fundraisers. Secondary students had opportunities for unique experiences and field trip throughout the year. Students took a tour of the new Health City Cayman, listened to inspiring stories from Ryan Chalmers (Olympic wheelchair athlete), viewed a new documentary from Guy Harvey on marine conservation, hosted holiday caroling in the community, listened to a presentation at Camana Bay from the youngest person to ever climb Mt. Everest, and many other special events. CIS scored Second Place in the KPMG Brain Bowl Competition, and placed very well in the Minds Inspired Math Competition. Other highlights were centered around school spirit and the Dodgeball event, Minute to Win It, Spirit Day and other secondary activities.
Secondary Highlights
Secondary Adventures
For many high school and middle school students, the activities and camaraderie on CIS trips resulted in remarkable growth and positive social development outside of the classroom. In Costa Rica, high school students were able to help maintain grounds at a cloud forest reserve while learning about wildlife and local flora and fauna. Later, students were able to interact with local students and learn about agricultural education. Other activities included: Costa Rican cooking lessons, salsa dancing, zip lining, white water rafting, and team building activities and reflection. CIS also sent a group of high school students on its annual university tour trip. Students traveled to San Francisco to tour the famous sites, eat local food, and tour surrounding universities. The CIS band also practiced with a local university. Middle School students also participated in the annual trips, with students going camping at Kaibbo, and going off island to the Central Caribbean Marine Institue in Little Cayman to learn about marine biology and conservation, and to Washington D.C. to enhance their understanding of history.
The CIS Parent Series was developed to provide more opportunities for parents and faculty/staff to partner in supporting students in their growth and learning. A total of eight sessions on topics ranging from The Importance of Play to Media & Technology were offered throughout the school year. Averaging thirty parents per session, the evenings proved to be a popular and worthwhile program for all. - October: Importance of Play: A Foundation for Literacy (EC) and The ABC’s of the MAP & Other Assessments (ES) - November: Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Changing World (EC & ES) - January: Media and Technology (EC & ES) - February: Family Math Night (ES) - March: PreK4 Literacy Night (EC) - April: Effect of Personal Temperaments on Our Children-MBTI (EC & ES) Sixteen CIS parents participated in a 10 week (2 hour sessions) program called Developing Capable Young People (DCYP) from January through April of this year. This powerful training program prepares adults who work with young people in developing the three perceptions and four skills which determine how effectively they will deal with life. Young people who gain strength in these assets normally increase in character, resiliency, and other human intelligences essential for living. They meet life’s challenges of learning, relationships, and the work world successfully. Parent workshops for Secondary parents were also conducted on topics of cyberbullying, drug awareness, university application processes, IB night, and more. Principal Coffee sessions were held for Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary parents on various topics throughout the year, providing a forum for parent ideas and input. The New Family Welcome Event helped to acclimate families new to CIS into the school, and provided them with opportunities to become invovled. A CIS Community Meeting was conducted in partnership with Dart and International Schools Services with the goal of increasing transparency and addressing community concerns. Expansion and traffic details were shared with the community at this event.
Parent Workshops & Events
A testimonial from a CIS parent participant in the DCYP course: "I cannot recommend this course highly enough. The course material introduced me to a whole range of new strategies and tools for dealing with difficult parenting issues. But perhaps more importantly, it has encouraged me to really think about wider issues such as how to encourage children to become capable young people, the importance of allowing our children to make mistakes, and what sort of discipline is going to be most effective in a family. The course sessions were both fun and challenging; and it was also very reassuring to discover that most of us struggle with the same parenting issues."
family & community
Parent Teacher Association
The purpose of the PTA at CIS is to foster a sense of support, pride, and enthusiasm for our school. This is accomplished through family activities and fundraising to promote positive school/community relationships that enhance our children’s educational environment and experiences. Some highlights from the 2013-14 school year included: - Collaborating with the administration on the New Family Welcome Event - Back to School BBQ (a huge success!) - A PTA wine and cheese event that featured CIS art and school musicians in a fabulous venue - Holiday event with Santa Claus and crafts activities - Supporting teachers with smoothies, a happy hour event at Camana Bay, and providing supplemental discretionary supplies. - $1000 PTA Essay Scholarship Contest - Hosting uniform swaps - Sponsoring the Grade 11 recycling initiative - Family Beach Party at Kaibo
The entire school participated in CIS Service Day, focusing on the theme, "Think Global, Act Local." Students and staff engaged the community and assisted organizations all over the island, including: Department of the Environment, Reading Buddies at public schools, Meals on Wheels, the National Trust, Humane Society, Red Cross, Botanical Park, Public Library, the Pines retirement home, and more.
service learning
Cayman International School contributes to the community in a variety of ways. Monetary contributions to local organizations are often generated by hosting "Civvies Days" when students offer a donation in order to wear civilian clothes rather than their uniforms.
From all efforts combined, CIS donated a total of $9,934.65 to local organizations in support of the community.
Valedictorian: Thomas Wolfe Salutatorian: Kirsten Ebanks Dart Minds Inspired Award: Thomas Wolfe Ernst & Young Achievement Award: Thomas Wolfe National Gallery Art Award: Kirsten Ebanks PTA Essay Scholarship Winner: Haley Grizzel CIS Loyalty Awards: Jack Graham, Brennan Ackermon Jonathan Lumsden
Class of 2014 Awards
accolades
School ratings
Graph 1 - Parent Results Graph 2 - Faculty Results Graph 3 - Elementary Student Results (Gr 3-5) Graph 4 - Secondary Student Results (Gr 6-12)
Separate surveys were provided to all school stakeholder groups in order to obtain input for strategic planning. A summary question on each survey asked stakeholders to rate the school on a scale of 1-10.
Parent input from a newly formed Healthy School Committee, along with student surveys were used to collect data and help with making a decision to employ a new lunch service provider beginning next school year. Through our partnership with Dart, the campus traffic and parking systems were significantly altered to create a safer environment for children and improve flow.
International Schools Services (ISS) continues to provide high levels of support for the school in a multitude of ways in order to develop a premier international school. Multiple site visits from VP, David Randall, and CFO, Kris Evins provided guidance and oversight as CIS moves to a new financial system (Naviance) and continues to expand.
CIS high school students started a recycling initiative and are partnering with the CIS PTA and school administration to develop an effective system for next school year. A philosophy of continuous improvement among all persons involved with the school is fundamental to the advancement and continued success of Cayman International School.
continuous improvement
Further enhancements of the technology infrastructure to support the growing demand and utilization of digital resources Purchasing additional computers and technologies as tools to assist educators in developing 21st century skills, including 40 Chromebooks (for Grades 4&5) and an additional 38 iPads to be utilized in K-3 classrooms. In total, 18 iPads will be available to each of these grade levels. New web-based subscriptions and programs to support student and faculty learning, including replacement of Edline with Rediker Gradebook and Portals to provide a more seamless system Expanded utilization of standardized assessments (MAP) to augment student skill building, and program integration with a new highly individualized digital tool, Study Island, to provide differentiated enrichment and remediation Expansion and enhancement of Robotics program New opportunities for teachers to apply for professional development subsidization Addition of new IB courses and electives, including IB Chemistry (Gr 12) and IB Math HL Increased collections of library and Guided Reading resources Additional Technology teacher added to the faculty for special area classes and technology integration Additional Learning Support teacher to facilitate accommodations of students with special needs There will be two full-time Art teachers (an addition of .5 teacher) to provide special area classes for all students Additional instructional support for teachers through a full-time Instructional Coach Full-time Kindergarten assistant in each classroom 4% salary increase for faculty for 2014-15 New classrooms resources and new textbooks identified through the curriculum review cycle
On the Horizon...
With the many successes during the 2013-14 school year and our continuing pursuit of excellence, the future of Cayman International School is extremely bright...
conclusion
PO Box 31364 grand cayman, ky1-1206 cayman islands t: 1-345-945-4664 F: 1-345-945-4650 www.caymaninternationalschool.org