A magazine for NIS Academy family and friends Halloween 44 Winter Performance 46 Giving back 48 Breast Cancer Awareness Day Autism Awareness Day 50 Charity visit 57357 51 Giving a Hand to the Elderly 52 Arts The annual exhibition of East Nasr City Educational Administration 54 Ballet 55 Drama 56 Athletics Crossfit 60 Eagles: Meet our Varsity team 62 Outstanding Students Aly Labib 65Table of contents After NISCEO Message Bagel Brothers 67 Rana Afifi 68Inside Academics Infants Swimming Pool 70 A Message FromAEP 4 The Editor-In-Chief 72Introducing The Department 8of Journalism and Creative Media Generation Global 12The Hour Of Code 14Ministry of Education 16Going GlobalDenmark School Trip 19Cairo to Copenhagen 20Peace One Day Event 21Student ActivitiesAlexandria Trip 23Senior March Event 24Reading Campaign 26Airforce Museum Visit 28 Fun Camp 29Thanksgiving 30Kidzania 32Reading Marathon “Introducing Sherouk Campus” 36Home Economics 40 NIS Magazine 1Science Fair 41Student Debates 42
CEOMessageA s we move forward into or second goal. To choose N.I.S. is to choose a school decade of providing quality that is committed to continual improvement education in Egypt, it gives me in every aspect of our educational journey. great pleasure to announce the Our commitment to life-long learning for our exciting changes that have been students is reflected in the dedication of ouroccurring at N.I.S. teachers and staff to grow and learn every day.As a community of educators, we have For us, your child educational journey is ourredesigned our vision and mission in order to passion.provide a holistic approach to our collectivegoals of ensuring each student’s success in Sincerely,academic, personal and societal development. Nermien IsmailAt N.I.S., we believe that each child has the Founder and CEOability and thus, the right to learn. Indeed, itsour moral responsibility to ensure that everyopportunity is available for that learning totake place. Each of our five schools providesa unique system of learning that caters for thepersonal choices of our students and parents,which in itself reflects our commitment toindividual learning opportunities. The diversityof N.I.S. is our greatest strength. Each schoolhas its own culture of teaching and learning,which fosters autonomy while still beingguided by the collective vision and mission ofN.I.S. unique approaches towards a collective2 NIS Magazine
InsideAcademics AEP Introducing The Department of Journalism and Creative Media Generation Global The Hour of Code Ministry of Education NIS Magazine 3
By Kenzie Ismail and Shahd AhmedClear, simple and self explanatory. The Advanced Education Program [AEP] is a renovation of theLearning Management System, and doesn’t fail to prove that. How? Well, The Advanced EducationProgram works as a platform where students learn to control technology and not be controlled bytechnology. A few years ago, NIS became the first school in the Middle East to implement a successfulonline learning system, the Learning Management System. Though the system faced criticism andmultiple malfunctions at the beginning, NIS continued to shape it to become one of the most usefultools ever used in the history of education around the country. This is what was later transformed intowhat we know, now, as AEP.Through the Advanced Education Program, NIS students are able to submit their assignments, attemptonline quizzes, watch NIS videos, contact teachers... etc.In a world full of automation, our school makes sure that all students are professionally using technology,which is why students start using the AEP independently starting Grade 3 and up through Grade 12. Notonly does that help them progress to the use of similar programs in their later studies, but it teaches themhow to independently learn and and understand topics through a clearer, more technical method.NIS also implements a different classroom system through the AEP. Students are expected to watchpre-week videos of their own teachers explaining the following week’s topics. During their first classperiod, students are assigned a short series of questions to ensure their understanding of the topic. By theend of the session, students are assigned an Exit Ticket so the teacher is confident that all the students 4 NIS Magazine
in their classroom understand the topic clearly. This classroom system is called the Flipped Classroommethodology, which literally translates into its name, meaning: instead of wasting time in class, studentsprepare topics over the weekend so that the time they spend in their classroom can be sufficient andeffective; a classroom in reverse. This classroom system has also relieved students from most of theirhomework, because all we have to do over the weekend is watch a few videos. How cool is that?The first advantage students think of when the AEP is mentioned is disregarding the trouble of books.So, instead of requiring a stack of heavy books everyday, students are required to bring a laptop and anotebook, which gives us the ultimate satisfaction.AEP doesn’t fail to satisfy teachers as well, because we all know we certainly can’t “forget” ourhomework, book, or notebook because we have everything we might possibly need on our laptop, andteachers are well aware of that too. Not only that, but teachers also fully comprehend that technicalmalfunctions exist, which explains why we have a team of IT specialists all day - everyday.The AEP is wonderful for tracking grades, too. On all courses, there is a specific “Grades” tab, wherewe can access our grade level and track every single assignment, quiz, performance task, or participationgrade. If we question a certain grade or we desire to find out why we received it at all, we could easilycontact teachers through the AEP to specify the reason for it. NIS Magazine 5
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AEP is the Doorway to Better EducationDon’t believe us? NIS students swear AEP is better in every way, and here are our reasons why.AEP is everywhereAEP is a software, so you can’t forget it at home or anywhere else. However, you can easily lose books inyour locker or at home. You can access AEP wherever you are as long as there’s an internet connection.It’s like having a mobile bookstore with you all the time. Rather than several books for several subjects,you only need one website to unlock the door to knowledge.“I think that at this point in time, with Technology being where its at, any advanced school should beusing software to help us get the best education,” - Noor El-Leithy.AEP is always in the palm of your hand Using AEP means you only need to carry your laptop around. Yup, no need for copybooks, notebooks,or papers when laptops are around. No back aches for days, no tearing up pages, no paper crumbling,and its cheaper, because imagine all the money you save when you don’t spend your money on all thoseother things. You’ve got your laptop, you’ve got your charger, you’ve got your AEP - you’re set.“I prefer AEP because it makes your bag so much lighter,” Eissa - Wu.AEP has an endless scope of study-resourcesUnlike books where you have to search for days for the right one with the right information (the one thattells you exactly what you need... the one that you never end up finding), AEP has a variety of documentsto explore including power points, NIS videos, lesson videos, and a games corner that are available bysimply clicking on the search button. This helps you absorb the right information at just the right time.“AEP has a lot of aspects that help retain information easily,” - Salma Khashaba. NIS Magazine 7
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The Voice of A GenerationYes, you read that right. NIS publications are on our demands, and everything we see withinthe rise, and you can be a part of our future legacy. this landscape. It is a post modernistic rising, a“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over, and collective perception of culture and modernism.expecting a different result.”-Albert Einstein And it is here, now, for the first time ever in NIS.Change is necessary. It is a requirement to evolve. We are providing students with the opportunity toWe are constantly at race to adapt to the world, to express their voice and views to the world.transform into better human beings. But change “The department of Journalism and Creativecan not occur all at once. Change takes time Media has a place for all creative students. Weto be perfected; still, it happens everyday. Each encourage students to step out of their bubble andday we witness change happening around us, enhance their talents and visions of art, as well asevident in different shapes and forms; politically, explore the artists within themselves to create greatculturally and technologically. NIS strives content,” said Ms. Fatma Abdelaal, Operationstowards evolution and change. We are constantly Director at NIS Today.seeking out advanced, cutting-edge techniques to Delving into one’s imagination is no easy task.communicate blended and integrated education. Many of us spend years searching for our talents,“What better way to adapt to the evolution of until we discover that they’ve always been insidetechnology than to have our own media outlet of us, itching for a way to be released. NIS createdthat helps translate a generation of thoughts, this department to entice students to scout outletsgoals, dreams, and reflections, then reciprocate for their creativity. We are opening doors fortheir thoughts by reaching out responsively to the creative students that lead to self discovery bydemands of a whole generation within and beyond providing the correct mediums and the right team.the walls of NIS,” said Dr. Mohamed Abdellatif, “Creativity is imagination brought to life. It is aDeputy CEO of NIS Schools. cycle of blues, reds and greens, all cycling aroundMedia is the most powerful form of technology. It one another, chasing after wind until epiphaniesis a reflection of cultures and cultural change, but are formed. You cannot teach creativity, but youit is also a reminder of who we were and allows us can teach the methods that inspire creativity,” saidto reflect on, and digest change. Media dictates Ms. May Hamid, Editor at The Department ofpeople’s landscapes; what it is they see. It directs Journalism and Creative Media.people in all areas on how life is, and perhaps, how We live in a world that’s connected in more waysit should be. than we know, and because of the media, we areAbsolute honesty is vitally significant when now able to discover things about worlds waycreating content. This is because media is that beyond our walls. NIS is creating mediums forpowerful. Bear in mind that every news story on students to reach out to the world and expressany venue of social media is perceived differently. their thoughts and demands freely. Not only willYes, media is powerful and domineering, but it is students be able to express themselves better,more than that. It is everyone’s view, our object but older generations will be able to understandof perception, our landscape, our reactions, how this younger generation reflects on topics discussing culture, politics and sciences.10 NIS Magazine
Introducing The Department of Journalism and Creative Media“We are going to have two forms of publications: a print magazine and an online Newsletter. Thenewsletter will be updated weekly, and the print magazine will be updated biannually. This way parents,staff and students can have a more integrated relationship and understand each other on a better level bystaying connected.” Said Ms. May, Hamid, Editor at The Department of Journalism and Creative Media. Though it is of utmost significance that it be known that technology is the most powerful form ofcommunication, it is more important to comprehend that what provides technology with power: is man.We strive to provide students with the right education to know the difference between being controlledby technology and controlling technology. We launched The Department of Journalism and CreativeMedia so students can learn how to control the media and have a voice of an entire generation be heard,but more importantly... finally understood. NIS Magazine 11
Generation Global: Using Technology to Connect in More Ways Than One “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” Audre Lorde By Nadeen Abdel-KaderHere’s a fact: our differences make us similar.That probably sounds confusing. How about another one?Our similarities make us different.And, we are all the same, even though very different. Don’t get it?Imagine this: you travel abroad and find yourself in a completely foreign place. It’s a crypticlanguage; there is a humongous variation in your human traits, and the culture stands in strangecontrast to everything you have ever known.You expect to find yourself completely incongruous to the people. Am I right? (It’s fine if I am)because sometimes this sort of ethnocentric thought develops in our culture-relativistic-brains, andwe find ourselves unable to relate to other human beings. We forget that people are the same, despitetheir differences.Generation Global enables students at NIS and from schools around the world to see and experiencetheir similarities through the use of proper methods and venues. The main objective of the programis to connect students from all around the world with each other and give them a little perspectiveabout what it is like to be on the other side, that way we can navigate our differences in a peacefulway. Through the usage of technology, such as web cams, Generation Global steers people towards asuccessful path. Students use webcams to communicate, live and discuss all kinds of topics.NIS began participating in the program just last year. Ms. Esi Haliti, the initiator of the simulcastat NIS is the one who introduced the establishment of Generation Global as part of the historycurriculum. Our continuous video conferences with students from countries around the world play amajor part in each of our lives. During these conferences each student comprehends just how muchthey can personally relate to someone half way across the world.This past week, NIS students have been chatting with a school in Virginia called Mountain View. 12 NIS Magazine
Conversations between NIS students and Mountain View students ignited both curiosityand friendship so rapidly, to the point that both schools were practically begging formore video conferences. The two schools became extremely well-acquainted and foundthat they could relate to one another in more ways than they thought.They talked about music and life. They shared thoughts on dance moves and rockconcerts. They discovered just how similar human beings are from all around the world.“...we reached the conclusion that we’re all human beings in the end,” said KenzieIsmail, G10, NIS-American.Technology is a universal tool that allows us to communicate with countries thousandsof miles away. Generation Global strives to create mediums for students to communicatetheir differences and similarities so that learning about cultures can advance these globalgenerations as they grow into adulthood. NIS Magazine 13
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The Time is Here: By Noureen FarnawanyThe Hour of CodeHave you clocked-in our Hour “The hour of code is a great “Coding is helpful for theof Code event? Don’t fret if you opportunity and experience for future and next generations. Ithaven’t. We’re bringing you all parents to see the progress of important to learn the basicsthe news. their own children and learn if you ever want to use Scratch“Truth can only be found in something new.” Said Mr to make programs,” said Alione place: the code.” Essam. Hennawy.Robert C. Martin, Clean Code: So far students feel the Students like Ali want to useA Handbook of Agile Software superpower of teaching and coding to program and makeCraftsmanship mentoring. They’ve been able games now and in the future.The time is here; the Hour to show their parents just Half of his class, 6A, haveof Code. Starting December how much they know about already started to use their2nd till December 10th, NIS coding. Some students find coding skills for programmingstudents are teaching their it hard to teach their non- and starter games. Ali hasparents how to code. technological parents how to made a math program andThe Hour of Code is a code, but they still enjoy the is currently working on a bigworldwide event that is chance to teach their parents project, he says.happening in schools world something they feel they have Parents are proud to see whatwide, this week. People greater knowledge on than their their kids can accomplish andcelebrate technology in offices parents. loved having their own childrenand schools; children and “What a great feeling it is to teach them something new.adults are logging in and be smarter than your parents,” Coding is for students, parents,learning the basics of coding -NIS Student. teachers and you! Open upthrough a short 10 level On the other hand, NIS- hourofcode.com and get startedprogram for a full hour. American High School today. Will you clock-in yourNIS computer science teacher Principal, Mr. Ahmed Lotfy, hour of code?Mr. Essam, believes that all and his son competed onparents should know what their who could finish all levels ofkids are learning. the coding game and clock- in first. It was close but our mastermind, Mr. Lotfy, was the winner. NIS Magazine 15
Welcome To The Digital Age:NIS Advances By Kenzi IsmailThe Digital Age is influencing Age I responded to Dr. Shawky same advanced, cutting-edgethe future of education in our by stating that we need to technology that is being usedcountry, and NIS is, already, understand that the world is in Japan? Throughout my fourahead of the game. going through a major digital years at NIS, I’ve witnessed thisOn Saturday, December revolution, and that we have school evolve and expand in all15th, Dr. Tarek Shawky, the a huge chance to step up and aspects of education at the fastestMinister of Education in Egypt change our country for the pace, which leads me to thinkdecided to gather 30+ students better through more advanced that NIS’ eagerness for advancingin a conference to discuss the educational programs. is quite literally driving it tosummit of education in Egypt. Dr. Shawky agreed with what I become better and better everyThese students came from a said, and somehow I ended up year, and that is not somethingmix of public, national, IG telling him about my previous that I witnessed in Japan.and American schools. NIS experience studying in Japan. Change does not really occur inAmerican was chosen as one of I was able to provide him with the Education system over there.those schools and, luckily, I was information on the difference Imagine sitting in a conferencechosen among the students to between the education system in for 2+ hours talking about therepresent NIS. Egypt and the one in Japan. pro’s and con’s of educationWhen asked about The Digital Did you know that NIS uses the in Egypt... how boring right? Wrong! NIS students were 16 NIS Magazine
truly enjoying attending the wanted to show off our school spoke of their cutting-edge,conference, why you ask? and represent it with honor. advanced programs and theirStudents from schools kept But it wasn’t just arrogance that eagerness to help other schoolsdemanding things for their drove our desire to represent the change. He quite literally usedschools that were already school. NIS as an example for modernavailable at ours. They discussed We felt that it was a privilege education and The Digital Age.things like an online program to be given the opportunity to He personally asked me to talkfor school (thanks to the leaders use the programs that we have to students from other schoolsof our school, we were already at our school, and that students about my experience with thethe first school in the Middle from other schools should have Advanced Education PlatformEast to have the LMS (Learning the same privilege as well. So provided at NIS.Management System) which is we suggested that the Minister By the end of the conference,now updated to AEP (Advanced of Education should allow us NIS students had truly provedEducation Program)), they asked to help other schools by giving what “Passio Impellit” means. Itfor Flipped Classroom, Support them a hand, so that we could is no secret that passion drives usGroups, Student Governments, give insight on what it is like in every way possible.and more. to have these programs, and to It was definitely an experienceIt was no surprise that we were volunteer at other schools (that to remember, and I am so proudall feeling a bit vain throughout do not have access to these to say that NIS inspired otherthe whole conference. Our programs) to help explain further schools to become a part of Theschool had already enriched how the programs we use work. Digital Age.100% of the requirements that The Minister was taken byother schools did not have. NIS surprise when NIS students’students couldn’t sit quietly. We NIS Magazine 17
Going Global Denmark School Trip Cairo to Copenhagen Peace One Day Event18 NIS Magazine
Denmark School TripGlobal Citizenship Program Generation Globalat NIS Our GCP grew this year with the inauguration ofNIS prides itself on nurturing the development the Generation Global program, which gives ourof a global mindset in all of our students. This students regular opportunities to video-conferencemeans acquiring a solid understanding of global with students from all over the world. In theseissues and empathy for the world’s diverse values video-conferences, the students discuss topics suchand cultures. Our Global Citizenship Program as extremism and tolerance. In the past month,[GCP] gives students opportunities to engage in our students have engaged in dialogues withglobal networking and conflict resolution, so they students from Italy, the Ukraine, the United States,graduate with the ability to work cooperatively and Indonesia, Jordan, and Palestine. In one month,responsibly towards our world’s shared goals. our students engaged in 15 dialogues, far above the international average of 10 per year.Cairo-Copenhagen Our participation in the program, organized by Ms. Esi Haliti, has been very successful. We haveAs part of our GCP, a group of 11th grade students already been recognized among schools aroundtravel to Denmark every April. This April will be the globe for our students’ advanced dialogue skills.our fifth year sending a class to stay with Danish One of our freshmen students, Kenzi Ismail, hashost families and learn first-hand about Danish made such an impression that she has been askedculture. During their stay in Copenhagen, the to apply to be a team topic moderator. This isstudents will engage in dialogues and shared quite exceptional, as this honor is usually reservedlessons about Egyptian and Danish literature and for seniors. Finally, our school’s participation hashistory. Check the newsletter next month to see been so outstanding that we have already beensome photos of the people we will meet and places nominated to apply for the Outstanding Schoolwe will visit. Award. NIS Magazine 19
The Danish Delegation VISITCairo - Copenhagen 6 - The Danish Delegation VisitIt seems like just yesterday that we were in Denmark. The next day, we continued the program with aBefore we knew it, summer was over and it was time Nile Cruise. We started off by visiting the Highfor our Danish friends to join us here in Cairo. Our Dam, which was an impressive sight. We also gotjourney started in Cairo, Egypt where we visited all to visit a Nubian village for some tea and shopping.the historical sights, such as the pyramids of Giza, This was definitely a highlight of the trip since weSakkara Pyramid, Citadel and Khan El Khalili all got to ride camels and enjoy the simple Nubianand the Cairo Museum. We also got to spend time life. While on the cruise, we visited many ancientrelaxing in Egypt’s beautiful weather, something our monuments, such as the temples at Philae, Edfu,Danish guests really appreciate. Luxor and Karnak. We also visited the HatshepsutEach day was filled with activities with our complex and the incomparable Valley of the Kings.teachers, and at night we made sure our Danish The CC6 class would like to thank everyoneguests had the pleasure of enjoying our everyday who was part of this beautiful and one of a kindlives in Cairo. We took them to malls, cafes and program that will always have its special place insome even got to attend an Egyptian wedding. Our our hearts. This is a great memory in our Juniortime in Cairo ended with a delicious dinner with and Senior years that we’ll never forgeta breathtaking view of the Nile, organized by ourCEO Dr. Nermine Ismail.20 NIS Magazine
ONEONEIn culmination of our Peace Week Painted into the fiber of that totem, were thecelebration, NIS-American held a handprints of all the students who recognizedvery special edition of our morning lines the value of peace, and wanted to be a part of itsannouncements. Some students offered celebration.awareness, as they informed the gathered student- After that, students were gathered to theteacher community about the International Day of soccer field where they came together, cladPeace. Some students offered poetry; they read the in white t-shirts, to form the universal sign forwords of a yearning heart and a pleading mind. peace. Overhead, doves were released as aHeal the World, originally sung by the late King of commemoration of this great day.Pop, Michael Jackson, played in the backgroundas the entire crowd watched the unveiling ofthe hand-print totem which was fastened to therooftop, and unfolded all the way to the ground,below. NIS Magazine 21
Student Activities Alexandria Trip Senior March Event Reading Campaign Airforce Museum Visit Fun Camp Thanksgiving Kidzania Reading Marathon Home Economics Science Fair Student Debates Winter Performance Halloween22 NIS Magazine
A Visit to the Jewelof the Mediterranean 9 GradeLast month, our Grade 9 students visited Other than that, I got to see attractions like the Egypt’s jewel on the Mediterranean, the Roman Amphitheater, which was also a dream incomparable and unforgettable Alexandria. of mine. I kept imagining how many plays wereHere is one of the student’s reflection on the trip. practiced there and how the start of great literatureI remember being 9 years old, visiting Alexandria began. Other than all the educational and heart-with my father every weekend of the summer. I warming opportunities I had, it was a chance toalways looked at the library in awe thinking that come closer to my fellow freshmen which madeone day, I will be able to enter and see it on the our bond stronger, and made us enjoy the littleinside. The past weekend, my school was able things. Eating»Azza» ice cream - which cannot beto fulfill my desire. In the past, I only got to see found anywhere else in the world - or staying in aAlexandria on the surface, the cover of the book suite with my best friends in one of the best hotelsI would say. But this time I got to experience it in the city were experiences I will cherish forever.between its lines; I got to learn that Egypt isn›t all Last weekend was the time I truly experiencedabout pharaohs. It had other great times. It was Alexandria, and I couldn›t ask for a more delightfultime I wished my brain could become the great experience.library of Alexandria. NIS Magazine 23
PARADE OF GRADUATES Every year, on a very special day, the entire student and staff bodies leaves their classroom to line the school hallways and applaud the graduating class. This year, the graduating seniors of the class of 2017 were accompanied by the Kindergarten class of 2017. Where one class will embark on their journey to college, the next will be matriculating to Elementary School. 24 NIS Magazine
Congratulations to the graduating classes!The excitement was tangible: smiles, laughter,cheers, applause, and tears of joy. NIS Magazine 25
ReadingMarathonCongratulations “The more that you read, the more things to all our Reading Marathon Winners you will know. The more that you learn the NIS American Early Years Annual Reading more places you’ll go” Marathon was held during the weeks of January Dr.Seuss 15th to March 12th, 2017. Students were so excited about it!! They were truly inspired and understood the importance of reading. The little NISians were using their imagination and predicting what they believed was going on in the pictures of the stories they read. Homes got cozier and cozier with layers and layers of comfort; parents were encouraged to make a daily routine of reading for their children! They were advised that the most effective way to encourage children to love books and reading is to read aloud to them and that the earlier they started, the better! Even a baby of a few months can see pictures, listen to our voice, and turn pages!! We were surprised about the number of stories our dears read, and the activities they did... Seemed like they were reading everything from books to a cereal box! 26 NIS Magazine
KGI A KGI B KGI C KGI DYoulan Khaled Lilly Mohamed Rodaina Mohamed MahmoudAli Khaled Omayr Ahmed Youssef Mohamed MohamedAhmed Ayman Kenda Nagy Karma Ahmed Haya Ahmed Talia NehadKGII A KGII B KGII CTalia Mohamed Mahmoud Ahmed Yassin Walid KGII DYassin Mostafa Ryzan Ehab Khaled Ahmed Lara AymanKevin Robert Kayan Mohamed Maleeka Alaadin Kendra Ahmed Talia Nehad Seleem Hany Mohamed Alaa NIS Magazine 27
VISITAIRFORCE MUSEUM On Tuesday, September 19th, students from the NIS- American Middle School Division were invited to visit the Egyptian Air-Force Museum. This gracious invitation was extended by one of the museum’s public relations office representatives which offered our students the opportunity to meet and speak with in-service air force officers while touring the impressive display of the Egyptian Air Force’s historical artifacts. The officers captivated the minds and hearts of our students as they took them on a very visual journey of the glorious events of the 1973 war. When the famed 1st strike was relayed through the lips of an active in-service officer, in the very presence of the actual remaining artifacts, enclosed within the walls of this museum, all other accounts seemed to pale in comparison. The officers were moved. The museum staff was moved. Our teachers and students were moved. Egypt...forever and for always28 NIS Magazine
NIS Students Recharge theirBatteries at Fun CampAt NIS, we are entirely aware of thechallenging nature of our day-to-daycurricular work. Even our field-trips areacademically aligned. That’s why, on avery rare occasion, we give our student’sa day off from their intensive academicstudies to have some (much-needed) funin the sun!On a fresh, spring day last March, ourteachers filed the Middle School studentson the bus and headed our to ObourCity where students engaged in a varietyof activities. From Soap Soccer to DareJumping; from Archery to TrampolineVolleyball, the games were the perfectcombination of creativity and fun!Students face-offed for a good oldfashioned Color Fight, fueled by themusical theatrics that accompanied thejoyful insanity. The day closed on a highnote with some exciting Sand Boardingand soothing Horseback Riding.It was just the sort of time off they neededto recharge their batteries for the longstretch of Quarter 4, ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting stories from the NIS family! NIS Magazine 29
THANKSGIVING: WHEN A By Aly Mataany CLASS BECOMES A FAMILY“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” each other and with whoever they saw: teachers and- William Blake students from within and without their classroomYear after year at NIS, the bonds between students walls. They brought the school together throughare strengthened and solidified as they grow and food and gratitude.matriculate from one grade to the next. This year, It was a day of joy for everyone on campus, not onlyon Thanksgiving Day, classes celebrated by sharing because of how thankful we were for each other;food and expressing their gratitude for one another. for our NIS community, but because everyoneOne class in particular, felt a little extra special. followed in the example the Juniors set and toreThe G11A-CC class decided to change things up a down the classroom walls and shared as muchbit. You see, unlike the main tradition of each class and as little as they had with everyone else. This ishosting a dish party, this year the Junior class threw definitely a day that will not be forgotten. It’s onea huge (I mean gigantic) dish party; complete with for the archives.a massive butterball turkey! “Being in my class with my friends, it never feltThey brought in enough food to satiate the hunger more like home as it did on that day,” said Mortada.of a small village (for real!). In the beauty and On that day, everyone was family.celebration of giving, they shared their food with30 NIS Magazine
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Kidzania: Is it Too Early for Kids toPick a Career Path? By Aly Mataany“Don’t give up on your dreams, or your dreams will School peers, Second Grader, Ramy Rojeih nowgive up on you,” - John Wooden. has a dream. The dream of, one day, becoming aIt’s important for students to nurture their hobbies medical practitioner; a doctor.and passions at an early age. The awesome thing “I want to help people the same way doctors helpabout students at NIS is that they live with passion; me,” said Rogeih Ramy.and, when they dream, they dream big! After experiencing what it’s like to work in anHere is a list of our five favorite student stories on operating room [OR], he fell in love with thehow their trip to Kidzania inspired them to work career path.hard and become the person they want to be.1. Rojeih Ramy 2. Adham WaelOne of the jobs that students can explore in Sixth Grader, Adham Wael, hasKidzania is being a medical practitioner; a doctor. experienced Kidzania more than once. On his firstAfter attending the trip with his Elementary visit, he thought it was a fun learning experience. However, Wael’s dreams have not yet taken shape. 32 NIS Magazine
“I never thought of anything I like in particular,” that her love for makeup, Molto, and Pepsi is yet tosaid Adham Wael. grow as she does.Wael’s dreams are yet to reveal themselves, because 5. Hamza Aymanhe figures that he still has a long way to go. (Which And last but not least, meet Third Grader, Hamzais completely okay, in our opinion, because NIS Ayman. This devastatingly handsome [and verystrives to help students discover their passions, courageous] young man wants to be a policefind the right paths for their future, and Inspire officer: to save others and prevent people from anyThemselves, Here, at NIS). harm.3. Tayem Wael “I don’t care about the dangers, in the end I’ll winThird Grader, Tayem Wael went to Kidzania in life and the afterlife,” said Hamza Ayman.with his big brother, Adham. They both got to After being “a cop” in Kidzania, Ayman now wantsexperience what it’s like to operate in the adult the real thing even more. He got to experienceworld. Tayem in particular, stated that it was a what it’s like to have the responsibility of helpinglifelong lesson. He now knows how people work others and chasing down “the bad guys”. He’son a daily basis and can’t wait for his days to come. ready to fulfill his dream, to fight with glory….andIn fact, Tayem had such an amazing time, living serve with honor.in the land of the giants, that he plans to go back By allowing students to participate in schoolmore often (with his older brother). activities like Kidzania, students are more4. Miriam Hesham motivated to reach into their imagination andThird Grader, Miriam Hesham, was a young lady search their souls to find their true calling. Supporton a mission! She focused on three key areas of them, and help them become the people they wantKidzania: Cosmetics, Molto, and Pepsi. to be.Hesham now knows how they’re made and whatingredients go inside each one of them (I wonderif she learned the secret ingredient that’s used inPepsi).Yet, even with all this new knowledge, it wasn’tenough to change her dream. You see, thispassionate young lady already knows exactly whatshe wants to be: a pediatrician, to take care of the“little ones”. However, Miriam definitely thinks NIS Magazine 33
Reading Campaign34 NIS Magazine
Reading Campaign atNIS-American1st settlement CampusHuman beings are social and sensory creatures.We are born with a natural curiosity and a vividimagination that allow our minds to develop inalignment to our developmental stages. Readingis not just an academic imperative; it is a sensorypleasure that allows us to feel, think, and develop.NIS has launched a reading campaign devoted toenriching the minds and souls of our community.From the Kindergarten students to the graduatingSeniors; from the janitors to the superintendent,we read.Join our campaign by securing at least 20 minutesa day to put everything on hold while you read. NIS Magazine 35
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“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement,achievement, and success have no meaning.” - Unknown.It is a naturalistic fact that things expand and evolve. Growth andevolution are evident in different forms in life. There is no argumentin the latter. We race to improve and better ourselves. Though ourdefinitions of the word “better” are classified differently, our hunger forsuccess is the same. We do not hesitate to grow. Growth and improvementare not randomly stumbled upon. We work hard for growth; we battle forcontinuous improvement. But why do we do so? Why are we constantly atrace to expand and evolve?Often times when asked these questions, one responds by claiming adesire to build a family dynasty, or a need for more self-sufficiency. Somecrave financial stability; others want to dominate certain markets. It is nosecret that we all seek financial stability and success.There is an interesting collision that occurs when the goal to improvecomes in contact with one’s mission to make a change in other people’slives. Expansion then becomes a requirement to progression.“Why do we expand? It’s simple. We expand to create bigger platformsfor students to receive the best education. We evolve so that studentscan have bigger opportunities to success. We grow so that we can helpstudents adapt to new technologies.” - Dr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, DeputyCEO at NIS Schools.Dr. Nermien Ismail Schools aim to provide students with the besteducation. We believe that everything starts with the education system.Only through education can one learn to identify what is right or wrongboth morally and ethically. A good education leads to a better society.In terms of sociology and societal ideals, the exemplary communityis depicted as a place where a group of people who live in a specificgeographical area share mutual standards, opportunities, resources...etc,and is ruled by rules and laws that balance out the relationship betweencitizens in the community.“Our mission is to empower students to utilize their potentials in adiverse and challenging world. We provide outstanding education for themind, spirit and body using state-of-the-art methodologies while fosteringintercultural awareness, and lifelong learning.” - Mr. Khaled Kamel,Operations Director at NIS Schools.Expanding creates a bigger platform for students to learn, communicate,and grow individually and collectively. The proper education systemcombined with a bigger platform allows for a better community andsociety. 38 NIS Magazine
“Introducing NIS El Shorouk Campus” By May Hamid NIS Magazine 39
A Slice of Life: Home Economics By Hana MortadaLet’s get out of the stereotype of planning. These principles can making healthy life choices, butHome Economics... serve them at any stage of their cooking is higher order practicalDo you ever feel like you’re not lives and may, one day, save a skill that everyone needsprepared for the future? and the life. throughout their lifetime.only thing you can make right Now, hold on.. learning about “When I found him suddenlynow, in this moment, is a salad! safety measures isn’t the only standing in the kitchen trying“I sliced the fruit. This is as far as thing that students learn in to make a hamburger I couldn’tI go.” Home Ec. class. Nutrition is believe my own eyes,” said Ms.If yes, then Home Economics generally an important topic that Maha Eissa.is the perfect answer to all your is often lacking in most other Home Ec. class teaches studentsdilemmas. If you don’t know school curricula. Poor nutrition how to prepare and cook meals,what home economics is, don’t can lead to weight gain and which are important skills thatfret. It is a field of study that obesity; which, in turn, can lead all human beings, boys anddeals with the economics and to heart disease, diabetes and girls, should be able to. So far,management of the home, high blood pressure. Home Ec. students have made pizzas,family and community. Though battles all these complications, grilled hamburgers, and bakedthe study of home economics head on, by highlighting the chocolate cakes. Though it is notmay sound “boring” or “un- importance of food choices, food gourmet, at least they won’t bewelcomed” (because, seriously, preparations, and the nutritional reduced to eating ramen noodleswho wants to do chores? .. let value of various types of food. throughout their four years awayalone learn about them), it’s Not to sound vain, but we at college.actually not all about baking. all want to learn more about So, the next time someone says,Middle Schoolers at NIS take ourselves.. so learning how to “Dude, Home Ec. is for girls”Home Ec. classes that tackle take care of ourselves shouldn’t or “Do you seriously want me toimportant life skills that are be ignored or belittled. learn how to iron a shirt”, just gocrucially beneficial for their Now for the fun part. Middle the kitchen, cook a well-spicedfuture. Schoolers are learning how to steak with potatoes and think ofSafety is a major issue that is cook! For real! They’re practicing that person in their dorm roomaddressed in Home Ec., because how to prepare healthy dishes eating ramen beside their pilekids need to learn a variety of that will strengthen their bodies of dirty laundry on the chairrisk-avoidance principles like and ignite their taste buds. (you know the chair I’m talkinghow to handle raw meat, the Ehem... about that... hats off to about), and thank your luckyimportance of fire extinguishers our courageous NIS staff and all stars that you learned how toand how to operate them. They the Moms and Dads, at home, cook, clean, budget, and finance.learn how to perform CPR and who are willing to “sample” thehow to “route” for fire escape food outcomes prepared by our next Masterchefs. Knowledge about nutrition is important for40 NIS Magazine
Science FairSome of our high school students have Students have worked on the followingbeen working lately on enormous science points;fair projects, which cover several branches Getting Startedof science, especially engineering. They Engineering design processhave been researching projects to present Define the problemtheir work at a local science competition Design Notebookthat will be held in April, by the Egyptian Gathering DataMinistry of Education with the hope Background researchof making it to the Intel international Specify requirementsScience and Engineering Fair, a program Generating ideasof Society for Science and the Public. Brainstorm multiple solutionsStudents participating in this competition Choose the best solutionare; Sidra Mohamed, Aya Maher, Implementing a SolutionMohanad Tamer, Noha Ali Mostafa, Developing workFayrouz Alaa, Menna Shaaban, Yara PrototypingAlHefny, Omar Emad, Laila Amr, Testing and redesignSalma Tarek, Omar Younes, Lama Wael,Jannah Ayman, Shahd Ahmed, ZiadOmar, Yousry Mohamed, Miriam Karim,Pakinam Sherief, and Farida Farghal. NIS Magazine 41
Mr. Manny’s Legendary Debates By Hana Mortada Watch out High schoolers! Over the course of each academic year, NIS has been organizing debates to allow students to practice their critical thinking and public speaking skills. I am really proud of the outcomes of the previous debates that I’ve held for the seniors. They’ve done a great job expressing themselves and their opinions. It’s always interesting to see the challenges they throw upon each other and how they react respectfully to the topics. The Quarter 1 debates went exceptionally well. Though I know these debates may be a little challenging, I like to always provide them with real life disputes so that I can make certain they are well prepared for any real challenges they face in their upcoming years in college,” said Mr. Gaber.42 NIS Magazine
Students are randomly assigned to one position of the selected controversial issue at hand.Mr. Manny, a favorite teacher at NIS --(are we even allowed to have favorites? oh well, he’s one of them,anyway back to the topic)-- who is known to raise the most controversial topics, attentively holds studentdebates, biannually, that are specifically structured to promote preparedness, and provide students withthe education tackling how to defend or oppose important topics as a technique to help students withinand beyond the school.Mr. Manny assigned the 12th graders a very exciting topic for their Quarter 1 project which has definitelybeen one of the highlights of the school’s public speaking projects. The Seniors fought to defend andoppose the sacrifice of civil liberties for security until they successfully and finally surrendered andagreed to disagree. We were all very proud. [You should be, too]Everyone looks forward to Mr. Manny’s debates because they never fail to entertain us. All eyes are onthe exciting upcoming debate topics revolving around the MUN which we are told will take place inQuarter 3.This is not only great news for the whole high school, but the best for 11th graders, because they arefinally welcome to participate and they cannot wait to be a part of the event. Students get to escape theirbubbles and create the most memorable experiences.A kind word of caution to all you readers: The 11th graders are coming and bringing their “A” Game.So sit back, grab the popcorn, and keep your seat belts fastened at all times because the debates are aregoing to be on FIRE! NIS Magazine 43
Halloween Origins: A Trick or A Treat? By Ali MataanyElementary school students at NIS parts of Europe. The celts believed in theAmerican celebrate this year’s Halloween by existence of creatures in different worlds,learning what its all about. those we now refer to as ghosts, spirits, etc.,“Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I and every year at the end of the summer,always go all-out with my costumes.” the line between our world and the worldSaid Goodwin of ghosts gets blurred enough for theseHow do we celebrate halloween? We put on creatures to wander earth freely and usea bunch of scary costumes and go trick or their powers.treating. The Celts threw a big party, called itWhy? Lets find out. halloween, and dressed up spookily to scareHalloween is celebrated annually at school away creatures from other realms. (I know,by students and teachers from most grades. its actually freaky, right? it›s not all justWe look forward to it. No questions asked; costumes and candy). Anyway, the Irishno answers given; halloween is simply the later picked up the celebration, brought it toscariest time of the year. It›s fun, exciting, America around the 20th century, and it›sand full of unexpected surprises and been a thing ever since.entertainment. The students absorbed all this newHowever, everything dates back to intriguing information well. Some weresomething. Halloween being one of the terrified, some found it entertaining andlatter, NIS American Elementary School funny, but they all thought it was a veryteacher thought it essential to educate their interesting educational experience.students on why we celebrate halloween by «I›m glad I don›t believe halloween is a dayproviding historical and cultural insight on when spirits can walk the earth freely, or Iwhy it is celebrated globally. would›ve been terrified,» Said a student atLong ago, Halloween began as part of the NIS.ancient Celtic religion in Britain and other Trick or treat? Nothing is for certain. So keep dressing up scarily, you never know if the spirits will come out.44 NIS Magazine
HALLOWDEaEyNAs usual, the NIS American Early Years annual Fall Festival was I would like to thank thea wonderful opportunity for everyone in kindergarten to enjoy distinguished Early Years staff formany great activities. their love, time and talents. WeIt was much, much more than candy, we made a lasting impact simply love our little ones andwith our fall fest as each student showed up in magnificent nothing can bring us as much joycostumes to celebrate the event and discover how to become a as their cute smiles!part of a fairy tale, promenade in a costume parade and enjoy adancing competition along with numerous Tele Match games.All students went home with a fall craft and of course a bag fullof fall treats. Students and staff all had a blast. NIS Magazine 45
Winter Performance: ANA 3ARABY By Youssef AymanThe NIS-American High School put on its first outstanding NIS Staff.ever Winter performance centering around the Ana 3Arabi forces audiences to better understandcurrent state of the Arab World. This original play, the Middle East, by examining the past and presentwritten by the High School Arabic Department, through the eyes of students. Throughout theand co-directed by Ms. Nourhan Shoeib and Mr. rehearsals, our High School Principal, Mr. AhmedSherif Magdy, united the actors and audience Lofty and other senior leaders came up to thethrough love, hope, and the exhalation of spirit participants while training to encourage them, andthrough song. show their support for the impressive efforts and commitment put into the play.Accompanied by the Middle School Choir, The play was written in response to the chaos feltand under the instruction of music director, by varying forms of terrorism through the past fewMr. Wessam el-Sherkawy, this inaugural Winter years. It expressed the resentment felt towards thoseperformance reflected on the Arab journey that have helped in funding the war for terror. Thethroughout history. With live video streams, from concept wasn›t just to report on the events of ourPalestine to Syria and Iraq, there wasn›t a dry eye world, but also to act as a beacon of hope. Anain the audience. 3Arabi aimed to raise the students› self-esteem and allow them to regard themselves as proud nationalsBy asking the tough questions and facing the reality - the same way another other citizen in any otherof our problems, head on, the students successfully country would.communicated the imperative need to come When we stand together - stand united - we willtogether as a people, once more. In a lifetime of end the bloodshed. We will overcome the wars. Webombs, guns, and political will, they opened a door will live to see peace in our lifetime, and secure itof hope and light. for our children, as well.The performance was attended by Dr. NermienIsmail, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Dr. Fadia Atef,and all the Senior Leadership Team along with the46 NIS Magazine
Giving Back Breast Cancer Awareness Day Autism Awareness Day Charity Visit 57357 Giving a Hand to the Elderly NIS Magazine 47
Those We’ve Lost Shall Never Be Forgotten By Faisal GreadlyBreast Cancer Awareness Day: How Important is she really was. How could they when she alwaysUnity? stayed strong and smiled, and gave hugs and spread“In between all the darkness, there will always be love all around. She was always on duty and didlight, whether it be the sun, or the light within extra shifts. This was a woman that never let heryou” - Lily Tarek. sickness affect her moods, and never showed just how tired she actually was.Happiness and confidence are emotions that are How many people actually knew? Her passing tooktruly vital to survive breast cancer. Positivity is so many of us by surprise.the driving force that guides men and women Ms. Nicole passed away in February, two years afterwho suffer from this dreadful disease to continue she was initially diagnosed with Breast Cancer, andto fight what is considered to be one of the most her death left all of us in shock.dangerous battles known to mankind.Many women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer “Ms. Nicole was an inspiration for all of us, evenevery year. People face the losses and wins with after her death she has inspired me to always staytheir loved ones all the time. Even here at NIS, the happy and content with the life I’ve been given,school witnessed one woman’s journey through and to always look forward to another day” - Aly the disease and the entire body was affected by her el-Matany.battle in more ways than one. This year we celebrated Breast Cancer AwarenessThis is a story about a strong, independent woman Day in memory of Ms. Nicole and all the soulswho fought for her life, and we’re sharing it to raise who lost their battles with Breast Cancer, but moreawareness to Breast Cancer. importantly we celebrated to spread awareness andOne of the strongest and most independent help those that are still fighting their battles withwomen at the NIS 1st settlement campus was Ms. this vicious disease win their fights with BreastNicole Ghaly. She taught us how to smile, how to Cancer.always be confident, how to stay strong, and how to Breast cancer can change you, and the change canstay unified as one school - as one unit. She taught be beautiful. - Jane Cook, Breast cancer survivor.us that there is always beauty in the bruises, and If you know anyone that has been or is diagnosedthat no matter how dark it may seem, the light will with Breast Cancer, please help spread awarenessalways shine within us if we believe in it. with students at NIS to finally find a cure to thisMs. Nicole was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two wicked disease by sharing your story.years ago, and she never showed it. Almost none of Let’s conquer Breast Cancer for good.her 6th grade students ever realized just how sick48 NIS Magazine
October is Cancer Awareness Month NIS Magazine 49
2nd April April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. Have you ever had a hard time finding the right words to express yourself? Have you ever been out with your friends but felt like an outsider? At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced such a thing. Now, imagine this to be just one scenario you live through almost every day of your life. Add an added struggle with speech and communication. Are you starting to get the picture? Autism is not a disease; it’s a disorder. It can be detected as early as 18 months of age through behavioral observation. Closely linked to Asperger’s, autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges in: Social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communications. It’s also recognized by unique strengths and differences. During our Morning Broadcast at NIS, we lit it up blue in solidarity, support, and celebration of the challenges and gifts that come with Autism. To learn more about Autism, please visit https://www. autismspeaks.org/what-autism50 NIS Magazine
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