Upper School Newsletter - September 7, 2026
Upper School | 07 September 2026
Upcoming Events
Visit the HIS School Calendar
Sept 7 (Mon): CCAs begin
Sept 11 (Fri): No School (in-service day for staff)
Sept 14-24 (Mon-Thu): NWEA/MAP testing Grades 6-8
Sept 17-19 (Thu-Sat): Grade 11 & 12 HIS Retreat
Sept 25 (Fri)-Oct 02: No School (holiday and in-service)
Oct 12-16 (Mon-Fri): School Photos
Oct 16 (Fri): Mid-Semester Progress Reports
Oct 20 (Tue): Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Sept 11 (Fri): No School (in-service day for staff)
Sept 14-24 (Mon-Thu): NWEA/MAP testing Grades 6-8
Sept 17-19 (Thu-Sat): Grade 11 & 12 HIS Retreat
Sept 25 (Fri)-Oct 02: No School (holiday and in-service)
Oct 12-16 (Mon-Fri): School Photos
Oct 16 (Fri): Mid-Semester Progress Reports
Oct 20 (Tue): Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Message from the Upper School Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
NWEA/MAP Testing
Next week, our Grade 6–8 students will begin NWEA MAP Growth testing. These adaptive assessments provide us with valuable data that helps teachers tailor instruction, identify areas for support and enrichment, and monitor student growth over time. Just as importantly, external measures such as MAP allow us to look beyond our own internal assessments and ensure that our curriculum and instructional practices are aligned with appropriate grade-level standards and international benchmarks.
As part of our commitment to gathering meaningful external data, HIS is also a testing center for the SAT and PSAT. Our first SAT administration of the school year takes place this Saturday, and all Grade 10 students will take the PSAT in October. Together, these external measures provide another important lens through which we can evaluate student learning, celebrate areas of strength, and identify opportunities for continued growth.
We encourage students to approach these assessments with their best effort so that the data provides an accurate picture of their current learning. Thank you for supporting good sleep, punctual attendance, and a positive mindset as we begin our testing season.
Grades 11 & 12 Retreat: Starting the Journey Together
On September 17–19 our Grade 11 and 12 students will step away from their regular routines for our annual retreat—a chance to connect, reflect, plan, and prepare for the important journey ahead. This retreat reflects our commitment to pursuing academic and personal excellence within a caring community.
The final years of high school bring exciting opportunities, new challenges, and some important milestones. During the retreat, students will have dedicated time to engage with key elements of their graduation journey, including their research project, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and community engagement. Because this work is an important part of supporting every student’s success and progress toward graduation, attendance at the retreat is mandatory for all Grade 11 and 12 students
The retreat is about much more than academics. We also want our students to have time to strengthen friendships, build connections with classmates and teachers, have some fun together, and think about what well-being and balance can look like during these busy final years. Through team-building, shared experiences, and opportunities for reflection, we hope students return feeling connected, supported, and ready for what lies ahead.
High school is a journey filled with stories, challenges, accomplishments, and memories. We are excited to give our Grade 11 and 12 students these three days together to begin this next chapter with purpose, balance, and a strong sense of community, and to remind them that they do not have to navigate the journey alone.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Wissman
Upper School Principal
NWEA/MAP Testing
Next week, our Grade 6–8 students will begin NWEA MAP Growth testing. These adaptive assessments provide us with valuable data that helps teachers tailor instruction, identify areas for support and enrichment, and monitor student growth over time. Just as importantly, external measures such as MAP allow us to look beyond our own internal assessments and ensure that our curriculum and instructional practices are aligned with appropriate grade-level standards and international benchmarks.
As part of our commitment to gathering meaningful external data, HIS is also a testing center for the SAT and PSAT. Our first SAT administration of the school year takes place this Saturday, and all Grade 10 students will take the PSAT in October. Together, these external measures provide another important lens through which we can evaluate student learning, celebrate areas of strength, and identify opportunities for continued growth.
We encourage students to approach these assessments with their best effort so that the data provides an accurate picture of their current learning. Thank you for supporting good sleep, punctual attendance, and a positive mindset as we begin our testing season.
Grades 11 & 12 Retreat: Starting the Journey Together
On September 17–19 our Grade 11 and 12 students will step away from their regular routines for our annual retreat—a chance to connect, reflect, plan, and prepare for the important journey ahead. This retreat reflects our commitment to pursuing academic and personal excellence within a caring community.
The final years of high school bring exciting opportunities, new challenges, and some important milestones. During the retreat, students will have dedicated time to engage with key elements of their graduation journey, including their research project, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and community engagement. Because this work is an important part of supporting every student’s success and progress toward graduation, attendance at the retreat is mandatory for all Grade 11 and 12 students
The retreat is about much more than academics. We also want our students to have time to strengthen friendships, build connections with classmates and teachers, have some fun together, and think about what well-being and balance can look like during these busy final years. Through team-building, shared experiences, and opportunities for reflection, we hope students return feeling connected, supported, and ready for what lies ahead.
High school is a journey filled with stories, challenges, accomplishments, and memories. We are excited to give our Grade 11 and 12 students these three days together to begin this next chapter with purpose, balance, and a strong sense of community, and to remind them that they do not have to navigate the journey alone.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Wissman
Upper School Principal
HIS News
Understanding Our Attendance Support Framework
A Partnership Approach to Supporting Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. At HIS, we partner with families early and supportively whenever patterns of absence begin to emerge. Our goal is always the same: to understand barriers, offer help, and keep students engaged in learning.
Below is a simplified overview of how we respond as absences accumulate. You will always be contacted and invited into the conversation as a valued partner.
A Partnership Approach to Supporting Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. At HIS, we partner with families early and supportively whenever patterns of absence begin to emerge. Our goal is always the same: to understand barriers, offer help, and keep students engaged in learning.
Below is a simplified overview of how we respond as absences accumulate. You will always be contacted and invited into the conversation as a valued partner.
What This Means for Families
We reach out early not to punish, but to partner.
Most attendance concerns are resolved through simple conversation and practical support. The earlier we talk, the easier it is to find solutions that work for your child and family.
You will always be informed and invited in.
At every stage, families receive clear communication and are welcomed as essential partners in the process.
Credit is the last step, not the first.
Formal credit review occurs after extensive support has been offered and documented. Our priority remains helping every student remain on track for success.
Questions or concerns?
Please reach out to your child’s counselor or advisor at any time. We are here to support you and your student.
We reach out early not to punish, but to partner.
Most attendance concerns are resolved through simple conversation and practical support. The earlier we talk, the easier it is to find solutions that work for your child and family.
You will always be informed and invited in.
At every stage, families receive clear communication and are welcomed as essential partners in the process.
Credit is the last step, not the first.
Formal credit review occurs after extensive support has been offered and documented. Our priority remains helping every student remain on track for success.
Questions or concerns?
Please reach out to your child’s counselor or advisor at any time. We are here to support you and your student.
Back to School Night Success!