SPOTS
April 19, 2024
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO/SUPERINTENDENT, DR. ETHAN HILDRETH
Dear Leopards,
You are champions All, enduring the exceptional challenge of what has been described by some as a once in a lifetime weather event for Dubai. As we have concluded our consecutive days of remote learning due to flooding and infrastructure damage, I wanted to share my personal thanks for your fortitude, resiliency, and grace. I have heard from so many who model these vital traits. Thank you from my heart for your support and understanding in a difficult time for the Dubai community.
Tremendous thanks are due to our students, families, and teachers who rise to the occasion, coordinating so that learning continued in the face of the storm. This is the very definition of resiliency, standing up when the tide turns against us. Thank you to our school leaders in Divisions and Departments who soldier on to guide our success. In addition, a great shout out is due to scores of DAA team members who have been working on-site all week to combat the rains and prevent further damage. My hat is off to each of them, as they deserve deep gratitude for sleepless nights and hard work.
This is not only a story of victory for Dubai American Academy, it is a shining example of Pride and Community that will strengthen us as a successful memory for many days to come.
I wish each of you safety and the comfort of family, friends, and community during trying times.
Please be alert to updates shared over the weekend for Monday's return to campus.
Kindest regards,
Ethan
DIVISION UPDATES
PARENT CALENDAR
two weeks in review
Thank you, Leopards
This week we have seen our community pull together as the rain meant four days of remote learning for our Leopards!
The adaptability, resilience and kindness of our entire community has been extraordinary as we pivoted to remote learning.
During this time we saw our students be creative with their home activities, have some fun with the rain and demonstrate acts of kindness making goodie bags for security guards/lifeguards.
thank you, DAA team
We want to recognize the exceptional work and dedication of our Operations, Security and Support staff this week.
They were onsite all week and addressing the number of water-related issues that were brought on by the rains. They worked tirelessly through the week to make sure the classrooms, grounds, and teaching resources are ready to go next week.
EID Mubarak
Eid Mubarak to our entire DAA Community!
As we returned on Monday, our Islamic Department spread kindness around our campus with Eid treats for our team.
DAAMUN visits NYC
During the break, 13 DAA students took a trip to 'Change the World'!
As part of the Model United Nations New York Conference, DAA students headed to the US to surround themselves by passionate students to debate world issues.
In addition, they got to explore the amazing sights of NYC including Central Park, the MET Museum, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and so much more!
UPCOMING EVENTS
WISETALKS
DAA Parents,
Join us for another WISEtalks hosted by the LightHouse. Dr. Daniella Salazar will be discussing Positive Parenting. More information in the flyer!
Thursday, May 9th
8am
DAA Auditorium
TLA_Positive Parenting_Flyer_GEN_InPerson_DS.pdfKEY INFORMATION
2024/24 Academic Calendar
DAA Community, please see our 2024-25 Academic School Calendar.
_DAA School Calendar 2024_2025.pdfFAMILY LANYARDS
A friendly reminder to please wear your family pass and yellow lanyards when visiting on our school campus. This simple act helps ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone, helping our staff easily identify members of our community.
If you do not have a family pass, please ensure you have photos uploaded onto your GEMSConnect App and visit our reception team who can provide you with passes.
Transport
Registration for our School Bus Program with STS is still open!
Please contact Kelvin sde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755 or visit our STS representatives on campus in the main atrium for any questions or to discuss available options.
slices
From Grab&Go sandwiches and salads to hot meals and live stations, Slices offers healthy and tasty meals to our students.
We are operating a completely cashless system in our multiple dining spaces for Grades 3 to 12. For lower elementary classroom delivery is available, pre-ordered by parents.
For instructions on how to top-up the Student Card and Term 2 menus, see HERE.
GEMS Family first
We are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative, Family First.
For the past 65 years, GEMS Education has put ‘Family First’ at the heart of its teaching and will now incorporate this core principle into its holistic classroom learning for students across the network in a ground-breaking new program.
Family First will play a pivotal role in students’ wellbeing and success as they reap the benefits of deeper connections and an engaged and supportive community.
FF_EVENT_0209_LONG_SUBS.mp4DAA Listens
At DAA we are committed to communicating effectively with our families. We believe that open communication between home and school is a vital component of our student’s success.
We are excited to continue our communication channel within our school community, DAA Listens. By scanning this QR code you will be able to share your compliments, comments or concerns directly with our Superintendent Dr Hildreth. There are 6 mailboxes located around the school, where students and parents can drop a postcard. Either method will ensure that Dr. Hildreth will receive the communication and that a member of staff will be back in touch with you quickly.
Your voice is highly valued and we look forward to listening to your feedback as we collectively seek to enhance every student’s experience at our school.
Parents & Students Cybersecurity Guide
Parents & Students Cybersecurity Guide.pdfOTHER INFORMATION
KEY CONTACTS
ADMINISTRATIONADMISSIONS - Registrar_daa@gemsedu.com 04 704 9707
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONSGabrielle Keane g.keane_daa@gemsedu.com / 04 704 9706
FINANCEfinance_daa@gemsedu.com 04 704 9740 / 04 704 9744
HEALTHhealthoffice_daa@Gemsedu.com / 04 704 9761
GOVERNMENT RELATIONSSoheir Mohamed S.MOHAMED_DAA@gemsedu.com
SLICES CATERINGdaa@slices.ae / 054 792 7509https://pay.slices.ae/support/ticket/submit
STS BUS SERVICEKelvin Sicat sde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755
ITdaait@gemsedu.com047049793