June ‘25 Newsletter

June ‘25 Newsletter

Hello,

It was a pleasure to see so many parents come to the Open House in May.  We hope you enjoyed seeing what the students are learning in their classes.  We also had a good PSE meeting on May 9, where the teachers introduced themselves, and the principal explained the need for new computers.  For those who weren't there, the school needs new computers.  We need at least 30 new computers.  The ones we have are no longer able to update, so the latest websites do not work. We can purchase Chromebooks for 30,000 yen each from America; however, the school doesn't have an additional 900,000 yen since we had a WASC visit in February.    We discussed various ways to obtain computers, including parents purchasing their child's computer, hosting a walk-a-thon where students ask for donations from family members and companies, and other ideas. The Lieutenant Governor of Yamanashi had an interesting idea about computers.  He said that all the cities in Yamanashi give students a laptop or an iPad. He said the parents could ask for one if their child is registered. If parents could do that, it would be of immense help. 

Erin and I had a very good meeting last week with Mr. Imafuku, the Lieutenant Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, about our school.  We showed him the school and asked for help with many things.  We asked for a discount for the trains.  He could not do anything about that, but he said he would contact Yamako Bus and ask if we could have a discount for the buses.  He thought that might be a good first step.  Erin and I also asked about a building for the school, and he immediately started calling all the schools that are closed in this area.  Unfortunately, nothing was available, but he said he would continue to look for us. This is an amazing gesture.  He also provided us with some valuable ideas for our high school students' volunteer service.  Mr. Imafuku was extremely helpful and kind.

May was a busy month for me because ten students applied to join New Life.  Most are for next year, but some that are coming in September.

Two police officers visited this week and trained the teachers, staff, and me on safety and protection, especially against individuals with knives. They thoroughly inspected our building and provided us with the following advice on how to keep our children safe.  Between 9:05 and 2:55, we will lock the front gate and all our doors except for the main entrance.  A locked gate is a first deterrent.  Usually, criminals in a hurry do not want to bother with gates. The secondary building, which houses the junior high and high school, now locks its doors during classes as an additional deterrent. They also have curtains to block out sight in the classroom in case of a threat. The school purchased two sasumata (long poles used to defend against knives. If there is a threat, the students in the main building will quickly go to the gym, our “safety room.”  Male teachers will use the sasumata poles and help subdue anyone who tries to enter NLIS.  The female teachers, staff, and I are responsible for calling the police and securing the children in the gym. The police said a patrol car will be at our school within five minutes.  It was a productive meeting, and we are a safer school because of their assistance. We asked the police to return and speak with the students, providing a demonstration for them. We’ll announce the time when they can come. You are welcome to join! 

We have many learning activities in June.  Every Tuesday this month, students can come to the cafeteria at 8:35 to compete in math races. Students in grades 4 through 12 must complete 144 math problems that cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students in grade 3 must answer 108 math problems with a focus on addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Students in grades 1 and 2 must answer 72 problems, concentrating on addition and subtraction.  Everyone has four minutes to complete the task without making any mistakes. The students who reach the goal will receive a certificate and a small bag of candy at July’s student assembly, and their pictures will be posted on the school website and Facebook. I wonder who will win this year?

On Friday, June 20, Erin and I will give an Open Campus bilingual presentation to a few prospective parents.  Many can’t come on that day, so I do it individually with parents on a regular basis. You are welcome to attend, explore the classes and curriculum, and learn more about the school if you have never been to an Open Campus. The tour is from 10:30 to 11:30 (please arrive anytime), and the presentation will take place from 11:30 to 12:15 in the auditorium. 

On Monday, June 30, all parents and prospective parents are welcome to come at any time from 9:00 to 12:00 and drop in the classes.  If a large number of people attend, we kindly request that you limit your stay in any one classroom to ten minutes.  The art fair will also start this day, so if you come, please take a moment to write a few fan letters to our budding artists.

Please refer to the calendar below for additional important dates. 

Thank you!

Suzy Brown

Principal of NLIS

June     Math Competition every Tuesday on the 3,10,17, & 24th at 8:35-8:50 in the cafeteria.     Tchr’s. Mtg. W 4, 11, 18, 25    

6 F                   Earthquake Drill; Assembly

3-5 T-TH         Standardized Testing 1  (Grades 1-8) – Please ensure your child has a restful                      sleep and a healthy breakfast so they can focus and do their best on these days.

10-12 T-TH     Personal Safety Classes 1:25-2:15

13 F                 Lockdown Drill 

13 & 27 F        Library                       

16 M               Students are OFF;  Teacher's  workday 

17-27               Yamanashi Food Bank Drive - Please bring canned and packaged food with a                    long expiration date to the boxes in the front of the school.

18-21 W-S        Joy Bible Camp #1   Grades 1-3

21 -24 S-T        Joy Bible Camp #2    Grades 4-6

25-29 W- S       Joy Bible Camp #3    Grades 7-8 

20 F                 Open Campus:  PowerPoint presentation with a bilingual explanation

26 Th               Last day to turn in art; Movie Day (1-6)

30 M               Observation Day for parents and prospective             30-4                 ART FAIR