RAKAA Newsletter Term 3, Week 9 & 10

Principal’s Message:

Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,

As we come together to celebrate another remarkable academic year at Ras Al Khaimah American Academy, it is a pleasure to reflect upon our collective achievements and the incredible progress we have made as a school community. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all students, parents, teachers, staff, and admin for their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence.

In Term 1 of 2021, RAKAA received the prestigious Outstanding School Rating from COGNIA, a Global recognition that highlights our commitment to delivering a high-quality education from the previous principal and the entire faculty. This accomplishment set the stage for even greater achievements as we became a National Agenda School, mandated by HH Sheikh Faisal bin Saqer Al Qasimi and ratified by the RAKAA Board of Trustees in Term 3 of the academic year 2021-2022. These milestones demonstrate our relentless pursuit of excellence in education.

In the academic year 2021-22, RAKAA was granted the MoE eSAFE School Recognition status, affirming our commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students. This recognition further emphasizes our dedication to the overall well-being and safety of our school and all stakeholders.

By directive of HH Sheikh Faisal bin Saqer Al Qasimi, our school received MoE approval to hold afterschool remedial classes for at-risk-students in English (ESL), Arabic, and Math. Through the two years of ESL, Arabic, and Math remedial classes, we have witnessed significant improvements in ESL/Arabic literacy and Math numeracy skills among the participating students. Their active class participation, engagement in various activities, performance in quizzes, and progress during regular in-class assessments have shown marked progress. Their hard work is reflected in term marks, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

During these last 2-years we have placed a strong emphasis on student growth and development through the implementation of MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) growth assessments in Math, Science, and English for students from KG1 to Grade 12. The Acer iBT (Measures of Academic Progress) in Arabic for G3, 5, 7, 9, 11 (777 students participated) was taken school wide for the first time in Term 1 AY 2022 with our students making notable progress in Arabic language skills through the iBT growth assessments. These assessments provide valuable insights into individual students’ progress, enabling us to personalize our teaching approaches and provide targeted support.

In February 2023 RAKAA underwent the RAK MoE Whole School Inspection. RAKAA was awarded Acceptable School status. This inspection showcased our exceptional progress, elevating our school performance from 16 Weak ratings and 1 Good rating Phase1-4 in 2018 to an impressive 36 Good ratings, eradicating all Weak ratings throughout Phases 1-4 in 2023 MoE Inspection. Phase 4 received a Good all subject areas. Great work and appreciation to the entire RAKAA learning community. Next year our goal is an overall Good rating across all Phases.

We were honored to have the Minister of Youth, HE Shama Suhail Al Mazrui, deliver the 2022 Graduation Speech, commending our female graduates on their endeavors for female empowerment through the Sheherazade Project. This project allowed RAKAA female students to connect via technology, discussing the similarities and differences in cultures with a specific focus on female education and the journeys of females in their families. The project involved interviewing their grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, and exploring their own educational success stories.

RAKAA has achieved significant recognition on the global stage. We were awarded the prestigious Steven’s Initiative Grant for AY22-23, making us the first-ever K-12 school in the world to receive this grant.

We fostered collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the American University of RAK, the American University of Sharjah, and Higher Colleges of Technology. Our teachers received valuable training, and our students excelled in AP courses, including AP Computer Science, AP Math, AP Biology, and AP Micro and Macro Economics.

In AY 2021-23, our AP Computer Science students were honored with the prestigious AP STEM Award for Female Diversity (one of two schools in the UAE to win this award). Our students in Math, Science, Environment, ICT, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, PE, Art, Library, Reading, Writing, and Robotics enthusiastically participated in intraschool and external interschool competitions after the challenges posed by the pandemic. RAKAA consistently secured top positions, often achieving clean sweeps by placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Overall, the academic years 2021-2023 have been filled with excitement, engagement, and a strong sense of collaboration among our students, teachers, parents, and administration. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to providing personalized support and ensuring the academic success of every student.

We are immensely proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by both the students and our exceptional teaching staff, MLT, SLT, PTA, and Board. Together, we have created an inclusive and supportive learning environment that nurtures individual growth and ensures that no student is left behind and all voices are heard.

We extend our gratitude to HH Sheikh Faisal bin Saqer Al Qasimi for his visionary leadership and support in enabling us to implement these afterschool remedial classes. His commitment to the education and well-being of our students is truly commendable.

As we continue this important work, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the highest quality education for all students at Ras Al Khaimah American Academy. Together, RAKAA Learning Community will strive to empower every student to reach their full potential and achieve academic progress and attainment further solidifying RAKAA’s role as an Outstanding School globally and in the UAE.

HIGHLIGHTS ACTIVITIES KG1:

The KG1s enjoyed a variety of activities and fun play with their friends and teachers; it was also their last week in school. What a fruitful and amazing year! Congratulations to our dear little ones! All KG1s are looking forward to their next learning journey in KG2. We are so proud of all their achievements; we are definitely sure that they will all achieve greater skills and will improve their God’s given talents along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS ACTIVITIES KG2:

We also would like to commend our hard-working teachers’ assistsnces, for their creativity in setting up our classrooms for the party. You guys make a huge impact in our daily activities and routine in school, well done! In addition, KG2 students had their last week’s graduation practice, map test and fun activities with their friends and teachers. All are excited in their moving up ceremony on the 22nd of June, I’m sure you are too! Congratulations to our KG2 students who have worked so hard throughout the year. We are also grateful to their supportive parents for journeying with us with so much love and care. It was indeed an amazing academic year to cherish and to remember! Great job one and all!

HIGHLIGHTS ACTIVITIES KG 1&2:

Moreover, KG1s and KG2s also had so much fun during their End of Year Party. They enjoyed lots of fun games, engaging activities, delicious snacks and simple presents from their friends and teachers. We would like to thank their parents for their continuous support especially during events like this. It was a pleasure working with all KG parents this year.

KG2 Principal’s Graduation Speech

HH Sheikh Faisal, distinguished guests, Board members, PTA, parents, teachers, staff, and most importantly, our beloved 2023 KG2 graduates.

Today, we gather here to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our young learners at Ras Al Khaimah American Academy. It is with great pride and joy that I stand before you as their principal and reflect upon the incredible journey of growth and discovery of our 2023 KG2 students.

Throughout their 2 years in KG at RAKAA, our KG students have embarked upon a path of exploration and development. Our little graduates have embraced the power of knowledge, discovery, experimentation, and demonstrated their abilities through various assessments, including the MAP testing for KG2. These assessments have provided valuable insights into their progress and have helped us tailor our instruction to meet their individual needs both this year and in G1 next year.

At RAKAA, we believe in the power of hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Our students have engaged in a wide array of STEM activities, igniting their curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These experiences have laid the foundation for their future academic pursuits and have instilled a passion for inquiry and discovery.

Language development has been a key focus of our KG program. Our students have shown tremendous growth in their phonetic awareness, reading, and pre-writing skills, acquiring the foundations necessary for success in Grade 1. Through interactive and engaging lessons, they have developed a love for language and storytelling, expanding their vocabulary and imagination. You should listen to them retell as story their teacher read and discussed with them. They are incredible story tellers.

Math and science have also been at the forefront of our curriculum. Our students have explored mathematical concepts and scientific phenomena, building a solid foundation for future learning. They have learned to analyze, predict, and experiment, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

But it’s not all about academics. Play is a crucial aspect of childhood, and at RAKAA we understand the importance of allowing our students to have fun and be creative. Through play, they have developed essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills. They have learned to collaborate, negotiate, and solve problems, preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead.

We also acknowledge the significant role that parents play in the education of our students. Your involvement, support, and partnership have been instrumental in their growth and success. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us, and we commend your dedication to your child’s education.

As we celebrate the achievements of our KG graduates, let us also embrace the rich culture and heritage of the UAE. Throughout the year, we have celebrated various UAE national events, fostering a sense of pride and unity among our students. We have instilled in them a deep appreciation for the traditions, values, and customs of this great nation. We would like to thank the PTA and our KG mothers who worked with Mrs. Rasha and our KG teachers to create magical performances.

To our KG graduates, as you transition to the next phase of your educational journey, remember the lessons you have learned, the friendships you have made, and the memories you have created. Cherish the joy of learning, embrace challenges with confidence, and never stop seeking knowledge.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our KG graduates and their families. Thank you to our dedicated teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we have laid a solid foundation for the future success of our students. May each of our KG2 excel in Grade 1 and beyond!

May Allah bless and guide you all as you go to the next level of your educational learning journey where you will continue to soar to greater heights and make a positive impact on the world. Congratulations, KG2 Class of 2023!