NEWS PAGE
ARAB NEWS - After Rough Patch, Future Looks Bright for AISJ by Siraj Wahab
From: Siraj Wahab(sirajwahab@arabnews.com)
After Rough Patch, Future Looks Bright for AISJ
By Siraj Wahab
Published in Arab News on Sept. 5, 2007
JEDDAH - The American International School of Jeddah is a local
institution that throughout the decades has fostered the education of
thousands of students from dozens of nationalities going all the way
back to its inception in 1952. Graduates of this school have moved on
to occupy top jobs the world over.
That is not to say it hasn't been a bumpy ride for the institution
founded 55 years ago as the PCS, the Parents Cooperative School, by a
group of American companies operating in Saudi Arabia. In the 1980s,
the school changed its name to the SAIS, the Saudi-American
International School, and was underwritten by Saudi Arabian Airlines.
But in June 2004 the country's national carrier gave up its
sponsorship, threatening the future of one of Jeddah's top-rated
private schools.
Under threat of dissolution, a group of individuals led by Dr.
Khaldoun Mhaimeed, got together and figured out a way to give the
school a new lease on life. The American community in Jeddah pulled
through, and the SAIS became the American International School of
Jeddah (AISJ).
"It was a tremendous effort by the community members to save their
school," says Dr. Mhaimeed, the president of the school's board of
trustees. "They are emotionally attached to the school. The school
has been a part and parcel of their lives. Their kids graduated from
the school and they wanted it to regain premier position. The revival
would not have been possible without the stellar support from the US
Embassy in Riyadh and the US Consulate in Jeddah."
Its strong results have gotten the school accreditation by the Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools, USA. It is licensed by
the Saudi Ministry of Education to operate as a school for expatriate
children.
Dr. Mhaimeed said the appointment of Dr. Mark A. English as the
school's new superintendent in May this year led to the turnaround.
Dr. English has a background befitting someone in charge of
maintaining the institution as a premier center of learning.
"I have a few ideas," Dr. English told Arab News recently. "My goal
really is to make the AISJ the premier international school, not just
in the Kingdom but the entire Middle East. And I think it is very
possible to do that."
How does one go about doing that?
"The first thing is you want to have good people," he said. "And so
for some months I have been hiring people to put in certain positions
because you have to have the quality factor in order to deliver the
quality in education. So the first step is the process of hiring. I
have hired some excellent people."
Some of the people that Dr. English hired have Harvard MBAs, for
example. He has hired some people with PhDs because he wants to make
sure that the community knows that their children are going to get
quality education.
Dr. English is an experienced educator and linguist with extensive
knowledge of academic issues related to the development and
matriculation of students through various curricula and education
programs. He emphasizes the need to keep in communication with
parents and to foster positive relations with the community.
"It is very important that courses are taught and the parents
understand what is being taught," he said. "For example, we had
something called Industrial Technology as a field or as a course in
the school. It is truly an outmoded term now. I want to create
something called Information Technology. I talked to the kids and
they are interested in something called Robotics. It is a very
interesting field that children at a younger age can get used to
developing programs; that can be something very relevant for the
school."
Dr. English previously served as president of Ross Global Academy
Charter School in New York City and dean of the US Military Academy
Preparatory School. This is his first assignment in the Middle East,
but he has lived in Muscat and Amman.
"I am aware of the region," said Dr. English. "But I can tell you
Saudi Arabia is very different. This is a lot different in a lot of
respects. But I am very comfortable in this environment. I know the
culture. I know the language; I speak Arabic — not as good as I would
like to — and that helps when I am communicating with parents."
Dr. English is a 1978 graduate of the United States Military Academy
at West Point, New York. As a Middle East Foreign Area Officer fluent
in Arabic, he has also served as an assistant professor of Arabic in
the Department of Foreign Languages at West Point. In 2002, Dr.
English was selected as a United States Fulbright Scholar to Jordan
where he conducted research on the education of young women in Arab
societies and served as a visiting professor of English and
linguistics at the University of Jordan.
For his part, Dr. Mhaimeed is very happy with the positive buzz that
Dr. English's arrival has created. "The past three years have been
very challenging," he said. "The school was in the survival mode.
However, now we have turned a corner. We have a professional group of
teachers. We have all the ingredients in place now in addition to a
leadership with a vision. I am not shy to admit that the school has
been stagnant for a long time. However, now we are all set to take
the school to the new level."
The school's alumni expressed happiness at the turnaround of the
institution's fortune. "I studied there till ninth grade and I have
some excellent memories of the school," said Faiza Ambah, a well-
known Jeddah-based Saudi journalist who writes for mainstream
publications in the United States. "It is because of this attachment
that I have put in my two children there," she said. "I want the
school to prosper. It is a great institution and I wish them all the
best."
Click here to see the article on the Arab News website: http://www.arabnews.com/?page=9§ion=0&article=100837&d=5&m=9&y=2007
SAIS REUNION 2007 - Location changed to Atlanta
From: Hannah Ford (ksa1stlady@hotmail.com)
FALCON REUNION 2007 INVITATION
Dear Fellow Falcon...
You are invited to attend the largest and most extravagant SAIS Reunion to-date on
AUGUST 18 - 19, 2007
IN ATLANTA
A team of dedicated Falcons are working together to make it a memorable weekend for all who attend.
And any Falcon, no matter what graduating year, is welcome... including family and friends!
The reunion organizers will now begin the task of sourcing group discounts for flights (national and international) and hotels. But we cannot do this without your help!
Please visit (AND JOIN!) the group on www.groups.yahoo.com/group/pcsreunion2007 and look on the left hand side for 'DATABASE'.
Here you will find a contact list table where you can fill in details about yourself, including whether you have any dietary, childcare or disability requirements that we as organisers should be made aware of.
Finally I would like to say that although there are a few of us doing the main organizing, we really cannot make this the biggest and best SAIS reunion without...YOU!! Please, please, take the time to join, fill in the database, and pass on the word to all other Falcons you know. There has been a great response so far but I KNOW it can be even better!
If you have any ideas or suggestions or just want to get more involved, please do not hesitate to email me
SEE YOU NEXT AUGUST!!
SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2006: REHASET'S ALBUM: THE DREAM CHASER!
From: Rehaset Yohanes
Date: Tue, Sep 12, 2006
Calling all Falcons...
Everybody's been bugging me since last year on how to get ahold of my album so I finally took the initiative and posted a link directly on myspace so that you can now get it no matter WHERE you are in the world. This is a movement and DEFINITELY UNDERGROUND so show some love and share the joy!
Beace from Anywhere, USA 09580
www.myspace.com/rehaset and click on the link.
The album is called the Dream Chaser and here's a pic of the album cover:
JULY 19TH, 2006: The Real Hot 100
From: Jamia Wilson
Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006
Hi friends, I just received this AWESOME honor and I'm passing it on because I love the spirit of "The Real Hot 100" and every thing it stands for… The Guardian UK wrote about it as well as some other big media papers. I love their mission and hope to see more opportunities like this to use the internet and media to combat inequality. If any of you find yourself in NYC on August 12 they will be having an amazing party for us.
Xoxoxoxo
Kisses, Jamia
Excerpt from the REAL hot 100 website Meet the Winners page:
Who is she? Jamia A. Wilson, 25, Washington, D.C.
What makes her REALLY hot? A MA student at Howard University, Jamia Wilson is dedicated to social justice activism. After graduating from American University in 2002, Jamia worked for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and PAC and later for PPFA's Field Department. Jamia worked with coalition partners and campus organizations to help bring thousands of students to the March for Women's Lives and was one of the youth chosen to carry the banner leading the march. Jamia currently manages Vox: Voices for Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood's campus outreach program. Jamia was one of eight leaders in the reproductive rights movement chosen to be interviewed and included in a soon to be released resource called the "Voices of Coalition-Builders." Additionally, this REALLY hot woman for choice was one of 12 individuals recently selected by the Planned Parenthood Board Chair and Interim President to work on PPFA's Structure and Governance Committee.
ANNOUNCING THE REAL HOT 100
WASHINGTON'S OWN JAMIA WILSON DECLARED "REALLY HOT"
The REAL hot 100 are young women who are smart, savvy, and actively trying to make the world a better place.
WASHINGTON DC, July 18, 2006 - The REAL hot 100 was announced today naming Washington's own Jamia Wilson a really hot woman. The REAL hot 100 is a list featuring young women from around the country who are breaking barriers, fighting stereotypes, and making a difference in their communities or the nation. Jamia Wilson was included for her commitment to reproductive rights activism and social justice.
Anyone could nominate a young woman who is REALLY hot. From hundreds of nominations nationwide, the REAL hot 100 selection committee chose 100 women that best represent the intelligence, drive and diversity of young women in the U.S. The list, announced this week, will be followed by an awards ceremony August 12th in New York City.
About The Real Hot 100
We're tired of the media telling young women how to be "hot"! Maxim Magazine's annual "Hot 100" list exemplifies how young women are viewed in popular culture. The women featured in this leading men's magazine are chosen solely for their appearance. The REAL hot 100 shows that young women are "hot" for reasons beyond their ability to look cute in a magazine. REALLY hot women are smart. REALLY hot women work for change. REALLY hot women aren't afraid to speak their minds. And while some REALLY hot women might look awesome in a bikini, they know that's not all they have to offer.
Website:
www.therealhot100.org
APRIL 16TH, 2006: More Updated PCS Campus Pics
FEBRUARY 5TH, 2006: PCS Campus Pics
JANUARY 24TH, 2006: Opinion Pieces
From: Jamia Wilson (jamiawilson@aol.com)
Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2006
Hi! I wanted to add something to the news page. Alternet has published two of my opinion pieces online this year and I wanted to share them with PCS/SCS alums. Hope all is well. xoxoxo Jeddah Forever, Jamia
Why Choice Matters
Saving Our Troops Saving Ourselves
I also have a picture of me opposing Alito right before the confirmation vote:
OCTOBER 29TH, 2005: Thesis Show Announcement
From: Salma Khalil (salma.t.khalil@gmail.com)
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2005
Dear everyone,
My thesis show will run from November 14-18, opening reception Monday,
November 14, 6-9pm. Hope to see everyone there.
--
cheers,
~salma~
www.salmatkhalil.com
rebelling isn't rebuilding
ridiculing isn't replacing
OCTOBER 13TH, 2005: Earthquake Relief
From: Bushra Khan (angelbk@gmail.com)
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005
As many of you know, the death toll in Pakistan alone from the earthquake is around 40,000. Everyone is suffering--including innocent children. The temperatures in Pakistan are dropping with winter just around the corner. 3,000,000 people are homeless.
Please have a heart and donate. Just click one of the links below. These are just some of the places you can go to donate. Remember, a little goes a long way. Thank you!
Save the Children
Mercy Corps
Red Cross
Helping Hands WorldWide
Other websites are listed on my MySpace: www.myspace.com/angelbk under "Earthquake Help"
AUGUST 12TH, 2005: Operation Ceasefire
From: Jamia Wilson (jamiawilson@aol.com)
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005
I wanted to post on the page to mention that Dania and I are going to get together a group of people to join the actions protesting the war in iraq in DC the weekend of September 24th. There is going to be a huge FREE concert with bands like Theivery Corporation, Le Tigre, The Coup and many more and we'll be marching.
I want to extend an invitation to anyone who went to PCS who is in solidarity with us and wants peace to join us... The website is www.opceasefire.org and if people want to come up, I'd love to have them. It will be historic and I think it would be great to have those of us who really understand the importance of international unity there.
xoxoxoxo Love, Jamia
AUGUST 12TH, 2005: Article on Joe Montanino's Art
From: Joe Montanino (artmachine100@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005
Joe carves fruits and vegetables in Ka-Sae-Luk, a 700-year old Thai art form. Pictured below is a watermelon flower and leaf combination. Click this link to see a story that a local newspaper did on his art: San Antonio Current - Ka-sae-luk by Susan Pagani
AUGUST 12TH, 2005: Rehaset Yohanes' 25th Birthday Extravaganza!
From: Rehaset Yohanes (songbird9580@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005
Share the love and spread the joy.
Love Always,
The DreamChaser
AUGUST 9TH, 2005: Update on SAIS Reunion in London, UK
**NOTE: If you haven't yet RSVP'd, you are welcome to join us on the day but risk not getting a seat! Any questions, email Hannah at ksa1stlady@hotmail.com
Updated SAIS London Reunion flyer from Hannah Ford:
You are invited to attend an SAIS reunion this summer on 20th August 2005
Venue: SOUK Restaurant, 27 Litchfield Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9NJ
Time: 1:30pm onwards
Booking name: PCS REUNION
Price: 12.50 GBP per head for 4 course meal, drinks separate
The following people have RSVP'd:
Tony Howarth
Elaine Watson
Fahad Shahid
Phillip Matthews
Kevin Fallon
Walid Al Saqqaf
Shakira Davies
Ejaz Taj
Ameen Siddiqui
Oliver Mackey
Hassan Waseem +1
Miriam Nakhla
Hina Salahuddin
Laura Smith
I'm still awaiting a response from:
Natasha Connell
Rachel Fisher
Omer Idrees
Amer Safir
Ben Davidson
Steve Wood
Dean Pickering
Shereen Pickering
Saxon Gilbert
Adam Hood
Sam Hood
Faaiza Khan
Hanyyah Khan
Fahd Khan
Sameer Monem + brother(s)
I have booked a table for 30 people but will need to know the final head count by Tuesday 16th August. This should give you all time to let me know if you are coming or not. Anybody not listed is still welcome to join us... just RSVP!
Those who do not RSVP will not be included in the head count. You are welcome to join us on the day but risk not getting a seat!
Also as previously stated, those who wish to meet up at night and party on into the wee hours will arrange this together at the lunch. I cannot verify how much this will be but London clubbing is expensive so look to spend between 10 to 15 GBP entry fee and then however much on drinks.
This is my mobile just in case there are any delays/problems on the day: 07834 722555 (Hannah Ford)
Download a copy of the Updated SAIS UK Reunion Flyer
JULY 29TH, 2005: Update on SAIS Reunion in London, UK
From: Hannah Ford (ksa1stlady@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri, 29 July 2005
Hello fellow falcons!
Those who have RSVP'd about the reunion are:
Miriam Nakhla
Jamia Wilson + 1
Hina Salahuddin
Hassan Waseem + 1
Amer Safir
Rupert Davis
Louise Elliot
Rachel Elliot
Ben Davidson
Ejaz Taj
Fahad Shahid
Steve Wood
Kevin Fallon
Paul Hughes
Oliver Mackey
Myself + fam & boyf
Bianca Zaloumis (will let me know about work) + fam
Sean Zaloumis (possibly if not working)
I'm just writing to you to let you know that since I had such a SMALL
response to the reunion the plans have now changed. Unfortunately there will be no BBQ in the park as it is just too much to
organise (and will be too expensive for the few people who have gotten back
to me)
So the plans are now this:
Lunch at the SOUK!! A lovely arabic restaurant in Covent Garden (Central
London) flowing with atmosphere, sheesha and mint tea! MMM! I would ideally
like to book for around 1pm as it won't be as busy in there and we would be
able to be as loud as possible! ;o)
The price is 12.50 pounds per head and you get a 4 course meal for that. (Drinks
would be calculated seperately of course) They have a vegetarian option for
those who don't eat dead carcasses (LOL - sorry couldn't resist) and OF
COURSE the meat is HALAL!!
Then at nite those who want to rave can go out and hit the town and pay
their way... it just works out better so those who are skint can gracefully
opt out and those who want to shake their booties till dawn can go get their
groove on.
So now I would like to know if those mentioned above are still up for it and
if there is anybody else wanting to come along!
Btw, if any of your mothers or fathers want to come along there's going to
be a bit of a 'OLDIES' reunion going on too so let the 'rents know too!
I need to know by THURSDAY, AUGUST 4TH if you are coming (or not)...so
RSVP!! Those who don't RSVP are welcome to turn up on the day and see if you
get a seat!
Get back at me people... Yallah...beace in the middle east... and london
too.
Hannah x
AUGUST 20TH, 2005: SAIS Reunion in London, UK
From: Hannah Ford (ksa1stlady@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri, 27 May 2005
You are invited to attend an SAIS reunion this summer on
20th August 2005
The day will kick off with a
BBQ IN A PARK where you can bring along your spouses, partners, kids to enjoy in great food & a mini-field day!
Following this will be an
AFTER-PARTY at a top London nightclub! So all those who are up for painting the town red and dancing into the wee hours come along!
I now need to know the following:
* Are you available to come?
* Are you planning to attend only the BBQ, the After-party or both?
* How many people are you bringing with you? (I.e. kids, partners, spouses etc)
* What year did you graduate PCS (or would have graduated if you stayed) and how old will you be on August 20th?
Once I know how many people are coming I will inform you of the price-per-head -- which I will try to keep as cheap as possible! (Less than 20 pounds)
*NB -- Those who only opt to come to one part of the day will be charged less than those who go to both. Also there will be different prices for adults and children.
Those who will need somewhere to stay in London please let me know and I may be able to work something out with my school's student accommodation.
Please RSVP to Hannah Ford on
ksa1stlady@hotmail.com by
Friday, 17th June 2005
Hope to see you there!
Download a copy of the
SAIS UK Reunion Flyer
Planning a reunion in the UK
Click to read more and join the discussion on the Jeddah Falcons Alumni Message Board
From: Hannah Ford (ksa1stlady@hotmail.com)
Date: Tue, 10 May 2005
Hello All!
Ok, not sure if you all knew me but it's Hannah Ford. Some of you may know my sister Catherine or my brother Michael. Anyways, I am arranging a reunion for anyone who lived in Saudia City or went to SAIS!
It will be held in London, UK but I haven't set a date yet for logistical reasons. So if you are interested, please let me know the following:
1) When are you free to come down to London? Would summer be better or an autumn half term?
2) What type of setting would you prefer? Here are a few ideas:
-Formal dinner and dance (Like those cheesy ones in PCS! hehe)
-BBQ in a park (Enjoy a mini field day! Bring the kids too!)
-Food at a restaurant then hit the town London style
3) What is the maximum you would be willing to contribute to this reunion?
Please network this reunion to everyone you know because not everyone checks this forum!
Please email me on ksa1stlady@hotmail.com with your answers, ideas and any questions you may have! The bigger the better! Hopefully we'll get enough people interested and commited to make this happen!
Watch this space!
_________________
~ Hannah Ford ~
SAIS 1984 - 1994
PCS Reunion 2005 Reminder
From: Danielle Graser (dgraser@cisco.com)
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 2005
What: PCS Reunion 2005
Where:
Excalibur Resort
3850 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
1-800-937-7777
When: June 11 - 12, 2005 (planned gatherings in the evenings)
Who: PCS, NCS & SAIS students, faculty, staff and your families
Marhaba Everyone!
The third PCS Reunion is being held at the Excalibur Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada June 11 and 12, 2005.
The Excalibur has reserved a block of rooms for those wishing to stay at the resort during the PCS Reunion. Please follow the steps below to receive the discounted rates.
* Contact the resort at 1-800-937-7777 to make your reservations.
* Mention that you will be attending the XPCS Reunion to receive the special room rate of $99 for Friday night, $109 for Saturday night, and $49 for Sunday night.
* You must make your reservations before May 9, 2005 to be guaranteed the special PCS Reunion room rate.
In order to keep costs down we are not offering 'prepaid entertainment'. Since Las Vegas has a lot to do we will have designated areas to meet and socialize.
We'd like to know how many people are interested in coming so please email Yvette Graser at ymgraser@yahoo.com and let us know.
Please let your PCS friends know! We look forward to seeing all of you in Vegas!
Jim Peters, PCS Class of '79
Danielle Graser, PCS Class of '77
Yvette Graser, PCS Class of '78
Cory Carmichael, PCS Class of '78
A Message about American International School of Jeddah (formerally SCS/PCS)
From: Graham M. Birkett (Graham_M_Birkett@raytheon.com)
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005
Dear All,
As an employee with Raytheon Middle East Systems Company (RAYMES), here in
Jeddah, KSA, for the past 28 years, I am still here to tell you that the
school has evolved once more, to now become the American International
School of Jeddah (AISJ). I don't know how much you have heard or caught up
with the schools, but they are now one school located on the North Campus
site, with Saudia announcing giving up their sponsorship a year ago. That
meant for the school to continue, we had to get our own license from the
Ministry of Education, bring in teachers and basically start from scratch
with no capital and with the present security situation, perhaps no
students, an unknown number.
Needless to say the school is in session, obtaining our license in May,
scrambling to get teachers visas on time for the start of school and
hopefully to have students walking through the doors, once we established
we were in operation. As a member of the board on behalf of Raytheon, as we
have a long and storied history and association with the school, there were
endless board meetings, week after week, long into the night, over the
summer. However, we did it, the teachers were in, housed next door at
Arabian Homes (Sierra), the school started on time and we are now up to 590
students on the roll.
The school still has a few battles to fight, namely with Saudia on the
assets, bank accounts and the lease payment, but we are fully operational
and staffed. As with all schools, we are looking to former pupils, staff,
alumni, to donate to the school's funds, to help keep us afloat and cover
those little extras all schools need, but cannot quite squeeze them out of
the budget. We need the word spread and what better way to do that than at
a reunion and your web site.
Please pass this info on and as always all help is welcome, donations
gladly accepted.
Thank you,
Graham M. Birkett
Graham_M_Birkett@raytheon.com
Manager, General Accounting,
Raytheon Middle East Systems Company (RAYMES)
Member, Board of
Trustees
P. O. Box 1348, Jeddah
American International
School of Jeddah (AISJ)
21431, Saudi Arabia
Tel: 966 2 691 5380 x2313
Fax: 966 2 691 5999
Mobile: 0505 685 664
Upcoming PCS Reunion
From: Danielle Graser (dgraser@cisco.com)
Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005
What: PCS Reunion 2005
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: June 10 - 12, 2005 (planned gatherings on the 11th and 12th)
Who: Anyone ever affiliated with PCS, NCS, SAIS…, and their loved ones, of course!
Hello PCS People!
It is time for PCS Reunion 2005! Come see your old friends and have a great time!
Those of you that attended the last reunion in Phoenix in 2003 may remember that we discussed having the next reunion on the east coast, specifically Orlando, Florida. Well, we have had to reconsider due to the fact that many people in Florida have other things to worry about, like the hurricanes of 2004!
So, since we are a little late in beginning the reunion planning process, we would like to keep things very simple this year. Most likely we will not be concerning ourselves with dinners and hors d'oeuvre. We will make arrangements for places to meet in the evenings. I will let you know all of that over the next few months. We are not yet sure of the cost of any of this.
It is your responsibility to make arrangements for your stay. As you know, there are many accommodation options in Vegas. My sister, Yvette, is working on getting some pretty good rates at the Excalibur Hotel. Details coming soon.....
We would like to try to get a preliminary head count. If possible, please write me back and let me know the likelihood of you being able to join us. We are not holding you to anything - we just want to get an idea.
And please, please, please pass the word to other PCS people! Lets make this a huge party!
Hope to see you soon!
Danielle Graser
If you would like to contribute to the SAIS Jeddah News page, feel free to email us at saisjeddah@gmail.com or send us a message through the Contact Us Page.
