Mrs. Leila Saad Inspires Students and Staff in SABIS® US Schools

The students, teachers, and staff of three SABIS® schools in the US enjoyed their encounter with Mrs. Leila Saad, SABIS® Chairman, during her visit to the US in April 2009. Mrs. Saad toured the schools – SABIS® International Charter School in Springfield, MA, The Holyoke Community Charter School in Holyoke, MA, and The International School of Minnesota in Minnesota, MN – to reiterate the SABIS® mission and inspire the school communities to continue to strive to reach academic and personal excellence.

During her visit to SICS, Mrs. Saad met with a group of upper school students that included many Student Life prefects. Mrs. Saad reviewed the importance of self-development through involvement in the Student Life Organization and the importance of making a difference in other people’s lives. “It was special for us to meet one of the heads of SABIS®. Her words of wisdom and inspiration made a big impact on us,” stated one student. Mrs. Saad also sat down with the administrative team to get a briefing on everyone’s role and responsibilities at the school.  In addition, Mrs. Saad toured the school’s new wing that opened in November 2008 and visited some classrooms in the lower school.

In HCCS, Mrs. Saad was welcomed by two Student Life prefects who took her on a tour of the school. She visited the classrooms, learned about the initiatives taken by the students to overcome the State Examination for the AY 2009, and stopped at the Student Life Office. She also received a briefing on the Accelerated Reader™ Program and asked many questions of the Student Life prefects.  “It was quite an honor to have the heart of SABIS® at our school and to see how much she cares for the education we are providing to 703 well-deserving students in the city of Holyoke,” stated Dr. Correa Pope, School Director.

Mrs. Saad’s visit to ISM allowed her to experience, as in the other SABIS® schools, many facets of school life.  She met with the School Director, Mrs. Sue Berg, as well as other key members of the administrative team.  She also took the opportunity to dialogue with teachers and students.  After visits to the ITL lab, the new physics lab, the new HS classrooms and commons wing, members of the robotics team treated her to a “live” performance of ISM’s NASA-sponsored robot.  In addition, several SLO™ prefects who recently participated in a community service trip to Honduras spoke with Mrs. Saad about the impact of this experience on their lives and their plans for future ways to make a difference in the lives of others.  “I believe that she got a glimpse of the strong spirit, determination, and drive for excellence that we experience every day at ISM!  We will certainly give full effort to sustain our positive momentum,” stated one ISM staff member following a dinner gathering with Mrs. Saad.

Mrs. Saad’s visit to these schools provided an opportunity to strengthen the SABIS® community through sharing challenges and successes.  Most importantly, her presence, insight, and unwavering support motivated students, teachers, and staff to continue to embrace the SABIS® mission.

For more information, visit www.sics-sabis.net, www.hccs-sabis.net, or www.ism-sabis.net.