Nov. Newsletter | 中美师生献艺，同歌纪念武汉美籍教育家田长霖

This month, the Wuhan Tian Changlin Center hosted a 90th-birthday commemorative event, featuring a cultural exchange night with performances. Local and international musicians and students gathered to celebrate Sino-American cultural ties through music.

Mr. Tian, born in Wuhan, was the first Asian American chancellor of UC Berkeley. His contributions to education and cultural exchange inspire youth.

At the event, OVIS was represented by teachers Ms. Aviwe and Ms. Kelly, along with students Joy and Bavu, who were invited to perform. They sang the classic song "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You," symbolizing the enduring friendship between China and other nations.

The melodious tune resonated through the venue, paying tribute and expressing respect for Mr. Tian, while also reflecting the timeless, enduring nature of international friendships. The outstanding performance by the teachers and students not only demonstrated OVIS's achievements in arts education but also built a small yet significant bridge for cultural exchange, allowing the audience to appreciate the beauty of multicultural interaction.

The joint sports festival between Optics Valley International School and Optics Valley Ulink School has successfully concluded, showcasing the importance of collaboration and community spirit. As the first collaboration between the two campuses, this was not just a competitive event but an immersive experience of youthful teamwork and shared growth.

On the field, OVIS students delivered impressive performances: the women's basketball team secured second place; while throwing ball and women's doubles badminton both won third place, and women's singles badminton claimed second place. Track events like the 100-meter and 800-meter races also garnered multiple awards, showcasing well-rounded athletic abilities.

The highlight was undoubtedly the plank competition. Student Noah took first place with a time of 11 minutes and 12 seconds, nearly breaking the school record. His exceptional endurance earned cheers from the entire audience.

The joy on students' faces and the teamwork displayed reflect our strong school community. This shared spirit fosters pride and unity among teachers, students, and parents, inspiring continued engagement.

The charity market at the end of the month was heartwarming and well-attended. In collaboration with the Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association (WSAPA), the school organized a charity sale themed 'Respecting Life, Warming Furry Hearts' on the [specific date], encouraging teachers and students to understand the meaning of kindness through action.

The event was held on the OVIS campus. English teacher Ms. Maggie led elementary, middle, and high school students in setting up stalls selling items like old toys, stationery, homemade cookies, sandwiches, and soft drinks. Teachers actively participated by donating unused clothes, food, and supplies, contributing to the cause.

Xiao Qing, a former stray golden retriever turned "ambassador of love," made an appearance. Children held Xiao Qing while listening to rescuers share their story. As donations accumulated, they learned that an unused toy could buy a can of cat food and that selling cookies could provide warm blankets for stray animals. Students expressed, "I won't abandon pets casually anymore; I want to care for them, just like Xiao Qing's family."

To strengthen emergency response skills, all teachers and students participated in a fire drill simulating a real crisis.

From classrooms to assembly points, everyone moved quickly and in an orderly manner, following safety protocols such as low crouching and covering mouths and noses along predetermined routes. After evacuating the building, a surprise awaited: a new fire truck and a team of professional firefighters provided a special lesson, emphasizing the importance of safety awareness and preparedness.

Live fire demonstrations and rescue practices reinforced safety awareness, empowering students and staff to feel confident and responsible in emergencies.

In daily life, improving self-rescue and mutual aid abilities during emergencies is crucial.

OVIS provided an enjoyable and informative first-aid class for its senior students.

"Quick! Student Xiao Ming is choking on a foreign object!" simulated the instructor. "Don't panic—use the Heimlich maneuver: embrace from behind with a 'rock, paper, scissors' hand position and apply abdominal thrusts." Through practice, students mastered this lifesaving technique.

In the CPR practice area, the atmosphere was intense. Counting "1, 2, 3..." volunteers knelt to practice chest compressions and rescue breaths, feeling the weight of lifesaving responsibility. The scene became a hands-on workshop on rescue skills.

This class equipped students with safety knowledge and practical first aid skills. Learning to protect themselves and help others is the coolest, warmest trend on campus! Have you learned it?

This month, the school launched SAT guidance for high school students to support their college applications. The course focuses not just on scores but on understanding the SAT's purpose and content.

Starting with the basics, it explains the SAT as a globally recognized academic test assessing reading, writing, and math. Even though many universities no longer require SAT scores, high marks can boost chances of admission to competitive top schools and scholarships.

Teachers avoid rote memorization and instead break down each section with practice tests to familiarize students with the formats. The curriculum integrates SAT skills with daily academics, linking English and math classes to exam prep, making study more directed. As the early-year exam approaches, accumulated knowledge and confidence will help students secure dream university offers.

On November 6th, the first after-school extension program (OVIS PLUS) launched, offering enriching experiences for kindergarteners. This pilot program for younger students was well-received by children and parents.

Diverse courses included creative dance, where teacher Daisy blended the rhythm of the poem "Quiet Night Thoughts" with movement, enhancing coordination and art appreciation; French football, where teacher JJ combined language learning with team sports, letting kids run and collaborate on the field; and English exploration, where teacher Aviwe used stories and games to build early interest and confidence.

The instructional model of "lead instruction by foreign teachers, supported by in-kindergarten teaching assistants" is adopted. In this model, professional in-school foreign teachers lead the instruction, while kindergarten teachers provide support. This approach not only ensures teaching quality but also provides each child with a strong sense of security and personalized attention.

In the future, OVIS will continue to optimize its curriculum system, introducing more diverse themes such as scientific exploration and artistic creation. The school also plans to expand course capacity to benefit more children.