Final Issue_Feb4FINALflippingbook

A magazine for NIS Academy family and friends

Halloween 44
Winter Performance 46

Giving back 48
Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Autism Awareness Day 50
Charity visit 57357 51
Giving a Hand to the Elderly 52

Arts

The annual exhibition of East Nasr City
Educational Administration 54
Ballet 55
Drama 56

Athletics
Crossfit 60
Eagles: Meet our Varsity team 62

Outstanding Students

Aly Labib 65

Table of contents After NIS

CEO Message Bagel Brothers 67
Rana Afifi 68

Inside Academics Infants Swimming Pool 70
A Message From
AEP 4 The Editor-In-Chief 72
Introducing The Department 8
of Journalism and Creative Media
Generation Global 12
The Hour Of Code 14
Ministry of Education 16

Going Global
Denmark School Trip 19
Cairo to Copenhagen 20
Peace One Day Event 21

Student Activities

Alexandria Trip 23
Senior March Event 24
Reading Campaign 26
Airforce Museum Visit 28
Fun Camp 29
Thanksgiving 30
Kidzania 32
Reading Marathon

“Introducing Sherouk Campus” 36

Home Economics 40 NIS Magazine 1
Science Fair 41
Student Debates 42

CEO
Message

A s we move forward into or second goal. To choose N.I.S. is to choose a school
decade of providing quality that is committed to continual improvement
education in Egypt, it gives me in every aspect of our educational journey.
great pleasure to announce the Our commitment to life-long learning for our
exciting changes that have been students is reflected in the dedication of our
occurring at N.I.S. teachers and staff to grow and learn every day.
As a community of educators, we have For us, your child educational journey is our
redesigned our vision and mission in order to passion.
provide a holistic approach to our collective
goals of ensuring each student’s success in Sincerely,
academic, personal and societal development. Nermien Ismail
At N.I.S., we believe that each child has the Founder and CEO
ability and thus, the right to learn. Indeed, its
our moral responsibility to ensure that every
opportunity is available for that learning to
take place. Each of our five schools provides
a unique system of learning that caters for the
personal choices of our students and parents,
which in itself reflects our commitment to
individual learning opportunities. The diversity
of N.I.S. is our greatest strength. Each school
has its own culture of teaching and learning,
which fosters autonomy while still being
guided by the collective vision and mission of
N.I.S. unique approaches towards a collective

2 NIS Magazine

Inside
Academics

AEP
Introducing The Department
of Journalism and Creative Media
Generation Global
The Hour of Code
Ministry of Education

NIS Magazine 3

By Kenzie Ismail and Shahd Ahmed

Clear, simple and self explanatory. The Advanced Education Program [AEP] is a renovation of the
Learning Management System, and doesn’t fail to prove that. How? Well, The Advanced Education
Program works as a platform where students learn to control technology and not be controlled by
technology. A few years ago, NIS became the first school in the Middle East to implement a successful
online learning system, the Learning Management System. Though the system faced criticism and
multiple malfunctions at the beginning, NIS continued to shape it to become one of the most useful
tools ever used in the history of education around the country. This is what was later transformed into
what we know, now, as AEP.
Through the Advanced Education Program, NIS students are able to submit their assignments, attempt
online quizzes, watch NIS videos, contact teachers... etc.
In a world full of automation, our school makes sure that all students are professionally using technology,
which is why students start using the AEP independently starting Grade 3 and up through Grade 12. Not
only does that help them progress to the use of similar programs in their later studies, but it teaches them
how to independently learn and and understand topics through a clearer, more technical method.
NIS also implements a different classroom system through the AEP. Students are expected to watch
pre-week videos of their own teachers explaining the following week’s topics. During their first class
period, students are assigned a short series of questions to ensure their understanding of the topic. By the
end of the session, students are assigned an Exit Ticket so the teacher is confident that all the students

4 NIS Magazine

in their classroom understand the topic clearly. This classroom system is called the Flipped Classroom
methodology, which literally translates into its name, meaning: instead of wasting time in class, students
prepare topics over the weekend so that the time they spend in their classroom can be sufficient and
effective; a classroom in reverse. This classroom system has also relieved students from most of their
homework, because all we have to do over the weekend is watch a few videos. How cool is that?
The first advantage students think of when the AEP is mentioned is disregarding the trouble of books.
So, instead of requiring a stack of heavy books everyday, students are required to bring a laptop and a
notebook, which gives us the ultimate satisfaction.
AEP doesn’t fail to satisfy teachers as well, because we all know we certainly can’t “forget” our
homework, book, or notebook because we have everything we might possibly need on our laptop, and
teachers are well aware of that too. Not only that, but teachers also fully comprehend that technical
malfunctions exist, which explains why we have a team of IT specialists all day - everyday.
The AEP is wonderful for tracking grades, too. On all courses, there is a specific “Grades” tab, where
we can access our grade level and track every single assignment, quiz, performance task, or participation
grade. If we question a certain grade or we desire to find out why we received it at all, we could easily
contact teachers through the AEP to specify the reason for it.

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AEP is the Doorway to Better Education
Don’t believe us? NIS students swear AEP is better in every way, and here are our reasons why.
AEP is everywhere
AEP is a software, so you can’t forget it at home or anywhere else. However, you can easily lose books in
your locker or at home. You can access AEP wherever you are as long as there’s an internet connection.
It’s like having a mobile bookstore with you all the time. Rather than several books for several subjects,
you only need one website to unlock the door to knowledge.
“I think that at this point in time, with Technology being where its at, any advanced school should be
using software to help us get the best education,” - Noor El-Leithy.
AEP is always in the palm of your hand 
Using AEP means you only need to carry your laptop around. Yup, no need for copybooks, notebooks,
or papers when laptops are around. No back aches for days, no tearing up pages, no paper crumbling,
and its cheaper, because imagine all the money you save when you don’t spend your money on all those
other things. You’ve got your laptop, you’ve got your charger, you’ve got your AEP - you’re set.
“I prefer AEP because it makes your bag so much lighter,” Eissa - Wu.
AEP has an endless scope of study-resources
Unlike books where you have to search for days for the right one with the right information (the one that
tells you exactly what you need... the one that you never end up finding), AEP has a variety of documents
to explore including power points, NIS videos, lesson videos, and a games corner that are available by
simply clicking on the search button. This helps you absorb the right information at just the right time.
“AEP has a lot of aspects that help retain information easily,” - Salma Khashaba.

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NIS Magazine 9

The Voice of A Generation

Yes, you read that right. NIS publications are on our demands, and everything we see within
the rise, and you can be a part of our future legacy. this landscape. It is a post modernistic rising, a
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over, and collective perception of culture and modernism.
expecting a different result.”-Albert Einstein And it is here, now, for the first time ever in NIS.
Change is necessary. It is a requirement to evolve. We are providing students with the opportunity to
We are constantly at race to adapt to the world, to express their voice and views to the world.
transform into better human beings. But change “The department of Journalism and Creative
can not occur all at once. Change takes time Media has a place for all creative students. We
to be perfected; still, it happens everyday. Each encourage students to step out of their bubble and
day we witness change happening around us, enhance their talents and visions of art, as well as
evident in different shapes and forms; politically, explore the artists within themselves to create great
culturally and technologically. NIS strives content,” said Ms. Fatma Abdelaal, Operations
towards evolution and change. We are constantly Director at NIS Today.
seeking out advanced, cutting-edge techniques to Delving into one’s imagination is no easy task.
communicate blended and integrated education. Many of us spend years searching for our talents,
“What better way to adapt to the evolution of until we discover that they’ve always been inside
technology than to have our own media outlet of us, itching for a way to be released. NIS created
that helps translate a generation of thoughts, this department to entice students to scout outlets
goals, dreams, and reflections, then reciprocate for their creativity.  We are opening doors for
their thoughts by reaching out responsively to the creative students that lead to self discovery by
demands of a whole generation within and beyond providing the correct mediums and the right team.
the walls of NIS,” said Dr. Mohamed Abdellatif, “Creativity is imagination brought to life. It is a
Deputy CEO of NIS Schools. cycle of blues, reds and greens, all cycling around
Media is the most powerful form of technology. It one another, chasing after wind until epiphanies
is a reflection of cultures and cultural change, but are formed. You cannot teach creativity, but you
it is also a reminder of who we were and allows us can teach the methods that inspire creativity,” said
to reflect on, and digest change. Media dictates Ms. May Hamid, Editor at The Department of
people’s landscapes; what it is they see. It directs Journalism and Creative Media.
people in all areas on how life is, and perhaps, how We live in a world that’s connected in more ways
it should be. than we know, and because of the media, we are
Absolute honesty is vitally significant when now able to discover things about worlds way
creating content. This is because media is that beyond our walls. NIS is creating mediums for
powerful. Bear in mind that every news story on students to reach out to the world and express
any venue of social media is perceived differently. their thoughts and demands freely. Not only will
Yes, media is powerful and domineering, but it is students be able to express themselves better,
more than that. It is everyone’s view, our object but older generations will be able to understand
of perception, our landscape, our reactions, how this younger generation reflects on topics
discussing culture, politics and sciences.

10 NIS Magazine

Introducing
The Department of Journalism

and Creative Media

“We are going to have two forms of publications: a print magazine and an online Newsletter. The
newsletter will be updated weekly, and the print magazine will be updated biannually. This way parents,
staff and students can have a more integrated relationship and understand each other on a better level by
staying connected.” Said Ms. May, Hamid, Editor at The Department of Journalism and Creative Media.  
Though it is of utmost significance that it be known that technology is the most powerful form of
communication, it is more important to comprehend that what provides technology with power: is man.
We strive to provide students with the right education to know the difference between being controlled
by technology and controlling technology. We launched The Department of Journalism and Creative
Media so students can learn how to control the media and have a voice of an entire generation be heard,
but more importantly... finally understood.

NIS Magazine 11

Generation Global: Using Technology to Connect in
More Ways Than One

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to
recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” Audre Lorde

By Nadeen Abdel-Kader

Here’s a fact: our differences make us similar.
That probably sounds confusing. How about another one?
Our similarities make us different.
And, we are all the same, even though very different. 
Don’t get it?
Imagine this: you travel abroad and find yourself in a completely foreign place. It’s a cryptic
language; there is a humongous variation in your human traits, and the culture stands in strange
contrast to everything you have ever known.
You expect to find yourself completely incongruous to the people. Am I right? (It’s fine if I am)
because sometimes this sort of ethnocentric thought develops in our culture-relativistic-brains, and
we find ourselves unable to relate to other human beings. We forget that people are the same, despite
their differences.
Generation Global enables students at NIS and from schools around the world to see and experience
their similarities through the use of proper methods and venues.  The main objective of the program
is to connect students from all around the world with each other and give them a little perspective
about what it is like to be on the other side, that way we can navigate our differences in a peaceful
way. Through the usage of technology, such as web cams, Generation Global steers people towards a
successful path. Students use webcams to communicate, live and discuss all kinds of topics.
NIS began participating in the program just last year. Ms. Esi Haliti, the initiator of the simulcast
at NIS is the one who introduced the establishment of Generation Global as part of the history
curriculum. Our continuous video conferences with students from countries around the world play a
major part in each of our lives. During these conferences each student comprehends just how much
they can personally relate to someone half way across the world.
This past week, NIS students have been chatting with a school in Virginia called Mountain View.

12 NIS Magazine

Conversations between NIS students and Mountain View students ignited both curiosity
and friendship so rapidly, to the point that both schools were practically begging for
more video conferences. The two schools became extremely well-acquainted and found
that they could relate to one another in more ways than they thought.
They talked about music and life. They shared thoughts on dance moves and rock
concerts. They discovered just how similar human beings are from all around the world.
“...we reached the conclusion that we’re all human beings in the end,” said Kenzie
Ismail, G10, NIS-American.
Technology is a universal tool that allows us to communicate with countries thousands
of miles away. Generation Global strives to create mediums for students to communicate
their differences and similarities so that learning about cultures can advance these global
generations as they grow into adulthood.

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The Time is Here: By Noureen Farnawany
The Hour of Code

Have you clocked-in our Hour “The hour of code is a great “Coding is helpful for the
of Code event? Don’t fret if you opportunity and experience for future and next generations. It
haven’t. We’re bringing you all parents to see the progress of important to learn the basics
the news. their own children and learn if you ever want to use Scratch
“Truth can only be found in something new.” Said Mr to make programs,” said Ali
one place: the code.” Essam. Hennawy.
Robert C. Martin, Clean Code: So far students feel the Students like Ali want to use
A Handbook of Agile Software superpower of teaching and coding to program and make
Craftsmanship mentoring. They’ve been able games now and in the future.
The time is here; the Hour to show their parents just Half of his class, 6A, have
of Code. Starting December how much they know about already started to use their
2nd till December 10th, NIS coding. Some students find coding skills for programming
students are teaching their it hard to teach their non- and starter games. Ali has
parents how to code. technological parents how to made a math program and
The Hour of Code is a code, but they still enjoy the is currently working on a big
worldwide event that is chance to teach their parents project, he says.
happening in schools world something they feel they have Parents are proud to see what
wide, this week. People greater knowledge on than their their kids can accomplish and
celebrate technology in offices parents. loved having their own children
and schools; children and “What a great feeling it is to teach them something new.
adults are logging in and be smarter than your parents,” Coding is for students, parents,
learning the basics of coding -NIS Student. teachers and you! Open up
through a short 10 level On the other hand, NIS- hourofcode.com and get started
program for a full hour. American High School today. Will you clock-in your
NIS computer science teacher Principal, Mr. Ahmed Lotfy, hour of code?
Mr. Essam, believes that all and his son competed on
parents should know what their who could finish all levels of
kids are learning. the coding game and clock-
in first. It was close but our
mastermind, Mr. Lotfy, was the
winner.

NIS Magazine 15

Welcome To The Digital Age:
NIS Advances
By Kenzi Ismail

The Digital Age is influencing Age I responded to Dr. Shawky same advanced, cutting-edge
the future of education in our by stating that we need to technology that is being used
country, and NIS is, already, understand that the world is in Japan? Throughout my four
ahead of the game. going through a major digital years at NIS, I’ve witnessed this
On Saturday, December revolution, and that we have school evolve and expand in all
15th, Dr. Tarek Shawky, the a huge chance to step up and aspects of education at the fastest
Minister of Education in Egypt change our country for the pace, which leads me to think
decided to gather 30+ students better through more advanced that NIS’ eagerness for advancing
in a conference to discuss the educational programs. is quite literally driving it to
summit of education in Egypt. Dr. Shawky agreed with what I become better and better every
These students came from a said, and somehow I ended up year, and that is not something
mix of public, national, IG telling him about my previous that I witnessed in Japan.
and American schools. NIS experience studying in Japan. Change does not really occur in
American was chosen as one of I was able to provide him with the Education system over there.
those schools and, luckily, I was information on the difference Imagine sitting in a conference
chosen among the students to between the education system in for 2+ hours talking about the
represent NIS. Egypt and the one in Japan. pro’s and con’s of education
When asked about The Digital Did you know that NIS uses the in Egypt... how boring right?
Wrong! NIS students were
16 NIS Magazine

truly enjoying attending the wanted to show off our school spoke of their cutting-edge,
conference, why you ask? and represent it with honor. advanced programs and their
Students from schools kept But it wasn’t just arrogance that eagerness to help other schools
demanding things for their drove our desire to represent the change. He quite literally used
schools that were already school. NIS as an example for modern
available at ours. They discussed We felt that it was a privilege education and The Digital Age.
things like an online program to be given the opportunity to He personally asked me to talk
for school (thanks to the leaders use the programs that we have to students from other schools
of our school, we were already at our school, and that students about my experience with the
the first school in the Middle from other schools should have Advanced Education Platform
East to have the LMS (Learning the same privilege as well. So provided at NIS.
Management System) which is we suggested that the Minister By the end of the conference,
now updated to AEP (Advanced of Education should allow us NIS students had truly proved
Education Program)), they asked to help other schools by giving what “Passio Impellit” means. It
for Flipped Classroom, Support them a hand, so that we could is no secret that passion drives us
Groups, Student Governments, give insight on what it is like in every way possible.
and more. to have these programs, and to It was definitely an experience
It was no surprise that we were volunteer at other schools (that to remember, and I am so proud
all feeling a bit vain throughout do not have access to these to say that NIS inspired other
the whole conference. Our programs) to help explain further schools to become a part of The
school had already enriched how the programs we use work. Digital Age.
100% of the requirements that The Minister was taken by
other schools did not have. NIS surprise when NIS students’
students couldn’t sit quietly. We

NIS Magazine 17

Going
Global

Denmark School Trip
Cairo to Copenhagen
Peace One Day Event

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Denmark School Trip

Global Citizenship Program Generation Global
at NIS
Our GCP grew this year with the inauguration of
NIS prides itself on nurturing the development the Generation Global program, which gives our
of a global mindset in all of our students. This students regular opportunities to video-conference
means acquiring a solid understanding of global with students from all over the world. In these
issues and empathy for the world’s diverse values video-conferences, the students discuss topics such
and cultures. Our Global Citizenship Program as extremism and tolerance. In the past month,
[GCP] gives students opportunities to engage in our students have engaged in dialogues with
global networking and conflict resolution, so they students from Italy, the Ukraine, the United States,
graduate with the ability to work cooperatively and Indonesia, Jordan, and Palestine. In one month,
responsibly towards our world’s shared goals. our students engaged in 15 dialogues, far above the
international average of 10 per year.
Cairo-Copenhagen Our participation in the program, organized by
Ms. Esi Haliti, has been very successful. We have
As part of our GCP, a group of 11th grade students already been recognized among schools around
travel to Denmark every April. This April will be the globe for our students’ advanced dialogue skills.
our fifth year sending a class to stay with Danish One of our freshmen students, Kenzi Ismail, has
host families and learn first-hand about Danish made such an impression that she has been asked
culture. During their stay in Copenhagen, the to apply to be a team topic moderator. This is
students will engage in dialogues and shared quite exceptional, as this honor is usually reserved
lessons about Egyptian and Danish literature and for seniors. Finally, our school’s participation has
history. Check the newsletter next month to see been so outstanding that we have already been
some photos of the people we will meet and places nominated to apply for the Outstanding School
we will visit. Award.

NIS Magazine 19

The Danish Delegation
VISIT
Cairo - Copenhagen 6 - The Danish Delegation Visit
It seems like just yesterday that we were in Denmark. The next day, we continued the program with a
Before we knew it, summer was over and it was time Nile Cruise. We started off by visiting the High
for our Danish friends to join us here in Cairo. Our Dam, which was an impressive sight. We also got
journey started in Cairo, Egypt where we visited all to visit a Nubian village for some tea and shopping.
the historical sights, such as the pyramids of Giza, This was definitely a highlight of the trip since we
Sakkara Pyramid, Citadel and Khan El Khalili all got to ride camels and enjoy the simple Nubian
and the Cairo Museum. We also got to spend time life. While on the cruise, we visited many ancient
relaxing in Egypt’s beautiful weather, something our monuments, such as the temples at Philae, Edfu,
Danish guests really appreciate. Luxor and Karnak. We also visited the Hatshepsut
Each day was filled with activities with our complex and the incomparable Valley of the Kings.
teachers, and at night we made sure our Danish The CC6 class would like to thank everyone
guests had the pleasure of enjoying our everyday who was part of this beautiful and one of a kind
lives in Cairo. We took them to malls, cafes and program that will always have its special place in
some even got to attend an Egyptian wedding. Our our hearts. This is a great memory in our Junior
time in Cairo ended with a delicious dinner with and Senior years that we’ll never forget
a breathtaking view of the Nile, organized by our
CEO Dr. Nermine Ismail.

20 NIS Magazine

ONE
ONE

In culmination of our Peace Week Painted into the fiber of that totem, were the
celebration, NIS-American held a handprints of all the students who recognized
very special edition of our morning lines the value of peace, and wanted to be a part of its
announcements. Some students offered celebration.
awareness, as they informed the gathered student- After that, students were gathered to the
teacher community about the International Day of soccer field where they came together, clad
Peace. Some students offered poetry; they read the in white t-shirts, to form the universal sign for
words of a yearning heart and a pleading mind. peace. Overhead, doves were released as a
Heal the World, originally sung by the late King of commemoration of this great day.
Pop, Michael Jackson, played in the background
as the entire crowd watched the unveiling of
the hand-print totem which was fastened to the
rooftop, and unfolded all the way to the ground,
below.

NIS Magazine 21

Student
Activities

Alexandria Trip
Senior March Event
Reading Campaign
Airforce Museum Visit
Fun Camp
Thanksgiving
Kidzania
Reading Marathon
Home Economics
Science Fair
Student Debates
Winter Performance
Halloween

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A Visit to the Jewel
of the Mediterranean 9 Grade

Last month, our Grade 9 students visited Other than that, I got to see attractions like the
Egypt’s jewel on the Mediterranean, the Roman Amphitheater, which was also a dream
incomparable and unforgettable Alexandria. of mine. I kept imagining how many plays were
Here is one of the student’s reflection on the trip. practiced there and how the start of great literature
I remember being 9 years old, visiting Alexandria began. Other than all the educational and heart-
with my father every weekend of the summer. I warming opportunities I had, it was a chance to
always looked at the library in awe thinking that come closer to my fellow freshmen which made
one day, I will be able to enter and see it on the our bond stronger, and made us enjoy the little
inside. The past weekend, my school was able things. Eating»Azza» ice cream - which cannot be
to fulfill my desire. In the past, I only got to see found anywhere else in the world - or staying in a
Alexandria on the surface, the cover of the book suite with my best friends in one of the best hotels
I would say. But this time I got to experience it in the city were experiences I will cherish forever.
between its lines; I got to learn that Egypt isn›t all Last weekend was the time I truly experienced
about pharaohs. It had other great times. It was Alexandria, and I couldn›t ask for a more delightful
time I wished my brain could become the great experience.
library of Alexandria.

NIS Magazine 23

PARADE
OF GRADUATES

Every year, on a very special day, the entire student and staff bodies leaves
their classroom to line the school hallways and applaud the graduating class.
This year, the graduating seniors of the class of 2017 were accompanied by
the Kindergarten class of 2017. Where one class will embark on their journey
to college, the next will be matriculating to Elementary School.

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Congratulations to the graduating classes!

The excitement was tangible: smiles, laughter,
cheers, applause, and tears of joy.

NIS Magazine 25

Reading
Marathon

Congratulations “The more that you read, the more things
to all our Reading Marathon Winners you will know. The more that you learn the
NIS American Early Years Annual Reading more places you’ll go”
Marathon was held during the weeks of January Dr.Seuss
15th to March 12th, 2017.
Students were so excited about it!! They were
truly inspired and understood the importance
of reading. The little NISians were using their
imagination and predicting what they believed
was going on in the pictures of the stories they
read.
Homes got cozier and cozier with layers and
layers of comfort; parents were encouraged
to make a daily routine of reading for their
children! They were advised that the most
effective way to encourage children to love
books and reading is to read aloud to them and
that the earlier they started, the better! Even a
baby of a few months can see pictures, listen to
our voice, and turn pages!!
We were surprised about the number of stories
our dears read, and the activities they did...
Seemed like they were reading everything from
books to a cereal box!
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KGI A KGI B KGI C KGI D
Youlan Khaled Lilly Mohamed Rodaina Mohamed Mahmoud
Ali Khaled Omayr Ahmed Youssef Mohamed Mohamed
Ahmed Ayman Kenda Nagy Karma Ahmed Haya Ahmed
Talia Nehad
KGII A KGII B KGII C
Talia Mohamed Mahmoud Ahmed Yassin Walid KGII D
Yassin Mostafa Ryzan Ehab Khaled Ahmed Lara Ayman
Kevin Robert Kayan Mohamed Maleeka Alaadin Kendra Ahmed
Talia Nehad Seleem Hany Mohamed Alaa

NIS Magazine 27

VISITAIRFORCE MUSEUM

On Tuesday, September 19th, students from the NIS-
American Middle School Division were invited to visit
the Egyptian Air-Force Museum. This gracious invitation
was extended by one of the museum’s public relations
office representatives which offered our students the
opportunity to meet and speak with in-service air force
officers while touring the impressive display of the
Egyptian Air Force’s historical artifacts.
The officers captivated the minds and hearts of our
students as they took them on a very visual journey of
the glorious events of the 1973 war. When the famed 1st
strike was relayed through the lips of an active in-service
officer, in the very presence of the actual remaining
artifacts, enclosed within the walls of this museum, all
other accounts seemed to pale in comparison.
The officers were moved. The museum staff was moved.
Our teachers and students were moved. Egypt...forever
and for always
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NIS Students Recharge their
Batteries at Fun Camp

At NIS, we are entirely aware of the
challenging nature of our day-to-day
curricular work. Even our field-trips are
academically aligned. That’s why, on a
very rare occasion, we give our student’s
a day off from their intensive academic
studies to have some (much-needed) fun
in the sun!
On a fresh, spring day last March, our
teachers filed the Middle School students
on the bus and headed our to Obour
City where students engaged in a variety
of activities. From Soap Soccer to Dare
Jumping; from Archery to Trampoline
Volleyball, the games were the perfect
combination of creativity and fun!
Students face-offed for a good old
fashioned Color Fight, fueled by the
musical theatrics that accompanied the
joyful insanity. The day closed on a high
note with some exciting Sand Boarding
and soothing Horseback Riding.
It was just the sort of time off they needed
to recharge their batteries for the long
stretch of Quarter 4, ahead.

Stay tuned for more exciting stories
from the NIS family!

NIS Magazine 29

THANKSGIVING: WHEN A
By Aly Mataany CLASS BECOMES A FAMILY

“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” each other and with whoever they saw: teachers and
- William Blake students from within and without their classroom
Year after year at NIS, the bonds between students walls. They brought the school together through
are strengthened and solidified as they grow and food and gratitude.
matriculate from one grade to the next. This year, It was a day of joy for everyone on campus, not only
on Thanksgiving Day, classes celebrated by sharing because of how thankful we were for each other;
food and expressing their gratitude for one another. for our NIS community, but because everyone
One class in particular, felt a little extra special. followed in the example the Juniors set and tore
The G11A-CC class decided to change things up a down the classroom walls and shared as much
bit. You see, unlike the main tradition of each class and as little as they had with everyone else. This is
hosting a dish party, this year the Junior class threw definitely a day that will not be forgotten. It’s one
a huge (I mean gigantic) dish party; complete with for the archives.
a massive butterball turkey! “Being in my class with my friends, it never felt
They brought in enough food to satiate the hunger more like home as it did on that day,” said Mortada.
of a small village (for real!). In the beauty and On that day, everyone was family.
celebration of giving, they shared their food with

30 NIS Magazine

NIS Magazine 31

Kidzania: Is it Too Early for Kids to
Pick a Career Path?
By Aly Mataany

“Don’t give up on your dreams, or your dreams will School peers, Second Grader, Ramy Rojeih now
give up on you,” - John Wooden. has a dream. The dream of, one day, becoming a
It’s important for students to nurture their hobbies medical practitioner; a doctor.
and passions at an early age. The awesome thing “I want to help people the same way doctors help
about students at NIS is that they live with passion; me,” said Rogeih Ramy.
and, when they dream, they dream big! After experiencing what it’s like to work in an
Here is a list of our five favorite student stories on operating room [OR], he fell in love with the
how their trip to Kidzania inspired them to work career path.
hard and become the person they want to be.

1. Rojeih Ramy 2. Adham Wael
One of the jobs that students can explore in Sixth Grader, Adham Wael, has
Kidzania is being a medical practitioner; a doctor. experienced Kidzania more than once. On his first
After attending the trip with his Elementary visit, he thought it was a fun learning experience.
However, Wael’s dreams have not yet taken shape.
32 NIS Magazine

“I never thought of anything I like in particular,” that her love for makeup, Molto, and Pepsi is yet to
said Adham Wael. grow as she does.

Wael’s dreams are yet to reveal themselves, because 5. Hamza Ayman
he figures that he still has a long way to go. (Which And last but not least, meet Third Grader, Hamza
is completely okay, in our opinion, because NIS Ayman. This devastatingly handsome [and very
strives to help students discover their passions, courageous] young man wants to be a police
find the right paths for their future, and  Inspire officer: to save others and prevent people from any
Themselves, Here, at NIS). harm.
3. Tayem Wael “I don’t care about the dangers, in the end I’ll win
Third Grader, Tayem Wael went to Kidzania in life and the afterlife,” said Hamza Ayman.
with his big brother, Adham. They both got to After being “a cop” in Kidzania, Ayman now wants
experience what it’s like to operate in the adult the real thing even more. He got to experience
world. Tayem in particular, stated that it was a what it’s like to have the responsibility of helping
lifelong lesson. He now knows how people work others and chasing down “the bad guys”. He’s
on a daily basis and can’t wait for his days to come. ready to fulfill his dream, to fight with glory….and
In fact, Tayem had such an amazing time, living serve with honor.
in the land of the giants, that he plans to go back By allowing students to participate in school
more often (with his older brother). activities like Kidzania, students are more
4. Miriam Hesham motivated to reach into their imagination and
Third Grader, Miriam Hesham, was a young lady search their souls to find their true calling. Support
on a mission! She focused on three key areas of them, and help them become the people they want
Kidzania: Cosmetics, Molto, and Pepsi. to be.

Hesham now knows how they’re made and what
ingredients go inside each one of them (I wonder
if she learned the secret ingredient that’s used in
Pepsi).
Yet, even with all this new knowledge, it wasn’t
enough to change her dream. You see, this
passionate young lady already knows exactly what
she wants to be: a pediatrician, to take care of the
“little ones”. However, Miriam definitely thinks

NIS Magazine 33

Reading
Campaign

34 NIS Magazine

Reading Campaign at
NIS-American
1st settlement Campus

Human beings are social and sensory creatures.
We are born with a natural curiosity and a vivid
imagination that allow our minds to develop in
alignment to our developmental stages. Reading
is not just an academic imperative; it is a sensory
pleasure that allows us to feel, think, and develop.
NIS has launched a reading campaign devoted to
enriching the minds and souls of our community.
From the Kindergarten students to the graduating
Seniors; from the janitors to the superintendent,
we read.
Join our campaign by securing at least 20 minutes
a day to put everything on hold while you read.

NIS Magazine 35

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NIS Magazine 37

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement,
achievement, and success have no meaning.” - Unknown.

It is a naturalistic fact that things expand and evolve. Growth and
evolution are evident in different forms in life. There is no argument
in the latter. We race to improve and better ourselves. Though our
definitions of the word “better” are classified differently, our hunger for
success is the same. We do not hesitate to grow. Growth and improvement
are not randomly stumbled upon. We work hard for growth; we battle for
continuous improvement. But why do we do so? Why are we constantly at
race to expand and evolve?

Often times when asked these questions, one responds by claiming a
desire to build a family dynasty, or a need for more self-sufficiency. Some
crave financial stability; others want to dominate certain markets. It is no
secret that we all seek financial stability and success.

There is an interesting collision that occurs when the goal to improve
comes in contact with one’s mission to make a change in other people’s
lives. Expansion then becomes a requirement to progression.

“Why do we expand? It’s simple. We expand to create bigger platforms
for students to receive the best education. We evolve so that students
can have bigger opportunities to success. We grow so that we can help
students adapt to new technologies.” - Dr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Deputy
CEO at NIS Schools.

Dr. Nermien Ismail Schools aim to provide students with the best
education. We believe that everything starts with the education system.
Only through education can one learn to identify what is right or wrong
both morally and ethically. A good education leads to a better society.

In terms of sociology and societal ideals, the exemplary community
is depicted as a place where a group of people who live in a specific
geographical area share mutual standards, opportunities, resources...etc,
and is ruled by rules and laws that balance out the relationship between
citizens in the community.

“Our mission is to empower students to utilize their potentials in a
diverse and challenging world. We provide outstanding education for the
mind, spirit and body using state-of-the-art methodologies while fostering
intercultural awareness, and lifelong learning.” - Mr. Khaled Kamel,
Operations Director at NIS Schools.

Expanding creates a bigger platform for students to learn, communicate,
and grow individually and collectively. The proper education system
combined with a bigger platform allows for a better community and
society.

38 NIS Magazine

“Introducing NIS El Shorouk
Campus”

By May Hamid

NIS Magazine 39

A Slice of Life: Home Economics

By Hana Mortada

Let’s get out of the stereotype of planning. These principles can making healthy life choices, but
Home Economics... serve them at any stage of their cooking is higher order practical
Do you ever feel like you’re not lives and may, one day, save a skill that everyone needs
prepared for the future? and the life. throughout their lifetime.
only thing you can make right Now, hold on.. learning about “When I found him suddenly
now, in this moment, is a salad! safety measures isn’t the only standing in the kitchen trying
“I sliced the fruit. This is as far as thing that students learn in to make a hamburger I couldn’t
I go.” Home Ec. class. Nutrition is believe my own eyes,” said Ms.
If yes, then Home Economics generally an important topic that Maha Eissa.
is the perfect answer to all your is often lacking in most other Home Ec. class teaches students
dilemmas. If you don’t know school curricula. Poor nutrition how to prepare and cook meals,
what home economics is, don’t can lead to weight gain and which are important skills that
fret. It is a field of study that obesity; which, in turn, can lead all human beings, boys and
deals with the economics and to heart disease, diabetes and girls, should be able to. So far,
management of the home, high blood pressure. Home Ec. students have made pizzas,
family and community. Though battles all these complications, grilled hamburgers, and baked
the study of home economics head on, by highlighting the chocolate cakes. Though it is not
may sound “boring” or “un- importance of food choices, food gourmet, at least they won’t be
welcomed” (because, seriously, preparations, and the nutritional reduced to eating ramen noodles
who wants to do chores? .. let value of various types of food. throughout their four years away
alone learn about them), it’s Not to sound vain, but we at college.
actually not all about baking. all want to learn more about So, the next time someone says,
Middle Schoolers at NIS take ourselves.. so learning how to “Dude, Home Ec. is for girls”
Home Ec. classes that tackle take care of ourselves shouldn’t or “Do you seriously want me to
important life skills that are be ignored or belittled. learn how to iron a shirt”, just go
crucially beneficial for their Now for the fun part. Middle the kitchen, cook a well-spiced
future. Schoolers are learning how to steak with potatoes and think of
Safety is a major issue that is cook! For real! They’re practicing that person in their dorm room
addressed in Home Ec., because how to prepare healthy dishes eating ramen beside their pile
kids need to learn a variety of that will strengthen their bodies of dirty laundry on the chair
risk-avoidance principles like and ignite their taste buds. (you know the chair I’m talking
how to handle raw meat, the Ehem... about that... hats off to about), and thank your lucky
importance of fire extinguishers our courageous NIS staff and all stars that you learned how to
and how to operate them. They the Moms and Dads, at home, cook, clean, budget, and finance.
learn how to perform CPR and who are willing to “sample” the
how to “route” for fire escape food outcomes prepared by our
next Masterchefs. Knowledge
about nutrition is important for

40 NIS Magazine

Science Fair

Some of our high school students have Students have worked on the following
been working lately on enormous science points;
fair projects, which cover several branches Getting Started
of science, especially engineering. They Engineering design process
have been researching projects to present Define the problem
their work at a local science competition Design Notebook
that will be held in April, by the Egyptian Gathering Data
Ministry of Education with the hope Background research
of making it to the Intel international Specify requirements
Science and Engineering Fair, a program Generating ideas
of Society for Science and the Public. Brainstorm multiple solutions
Students participating in this competition Choose the best solution
are; Sidra Mohamed, Aya Maher, Implementing a Solution
Mohanad Tamer, Noha Ali Mostafa, Developing work
Fayrouz Alaa, Menna Shaaban, Yara Prototyping
AlHefny, Omar Emad, Laila Amr, Testing and redesign
Salma Tarek, Omar Younes, Lama Wael,
Jannah Ayman, Shahd Ahmed, Ziad
Omar, Yousry Mohamed, Miriam Karim,
Pakinam Sherief, and Farida Farghal.

NIS Magazine 41

Mr. Manny’s Legendary Debates

By Hana Mortada

Watch out High schoolers! 
Over the course of each academic year, NIS has been organizing debates to
allow students to practice their critical thinking and public speaking skills.
I am really proud of the outcomes of the previous debates that I’ve held for the
seniors. They’ve done a great job expressing themselves and their opinions. It’s
always interesting to see the challenges they throw upon each other and how
they react respectfully to the topics.  The Quarter 1 debates went exceptionally
well. Though I know these debates may be a little challenging, I like to
always provide them with real life disputes so that I can make certain they
are well prepared for any real challenges they face in their upcoming years in
college,” said Mr. Gaber.
42 NIS Magazine

Students are randomly assigned to one position of the selected controversial issue at hand.
Mr. Manny, a favorite teacher at NIS --(are we even allowed to have favorites? oh well, he’s one of them,
anyway back to the topic)-- who is known to raise the most controversial topics, attentively holds student
debates, biannually, that are specifically structured to promote preparedness, and provide students with
the education tackling how to defend or oppose important topics as a technique to help students within
and beyond the school.
Mr. Manny assigned the 12th graders a very exciting topic for their Quarter 1 project which has definitely
been one of the highlights of the school’s public speaking projects. The Seniors fought to defend and
oppose the sacrifice of civil liberties for security until they successfully and finally surrendered and
agreed to disagree. We were all very proud. [You should be, too]
Everyone looks forward to Mr. Manny’s debates because they never fail to entertain us. All eyes are on
the exciting upcoming debate topics revolving around the MUN which we are told will take place in
Quarter 3.
This is not only great news for the whole high school, but the best for 11th graders, because they are
finally welcome to participate and they cannot wait to be a part of the event. Students get to escape their
bubbles and create the most memorable experiences.
A kind word of caution to all you readers: The 11th graders are coming and bringing their “A” Game.
So sit back, grab the popcorn, and keep your seat belts fastened at all times because the debates are are
going to be on FIRE!

NIS Magazine 43

Halloween Origins:
A Trick or A Treat?

By Ali Mataany

Elementary school students at NIS parts of Europe. The celts believed in the
American celebrate this year’s Halloween by existence of creatures in different worlds,
learning what its all about. those we now refer to as ghosts, spirits, etc.,
“Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I and every year at the end of the summer,
always go all-out with my costumes.” the line between our world and the world
Said Goodwin of ghosts gets blurred enough for these
How do we celebrate halloween? We put on creatures to wander earth freely and use
a bunch of scary costumes and go trick or their powers.
treating. The Celts threw a big party, called it
Why? Lets find out. halloween, and dressed up spookily to scare
Halloween is celebrated annually at school away creatures from other realms. (I know,
by students and teachers from most grades. its actually freaky, right?  it›s not all just
We look forward to it. No questions asked; costumes and candy). Anyway, the Irish
no answers given; halloween is simply the later picked up the celebration, brought it to
scariest time of the year. It›s fun, exciting, America around the 20th century, and it›s
and full of unexpected surprises and been a thing ever since.
entertainment. The students absorbed all this new
However, everything dates back to intriguing information well. Some were
something. Halloween being one of the terrified, some found it entertaining and
latter, NIS American Elementary School funny, but they all thought it was a very
teacher thought it essential to educate their interesting educational experience.
students on why we celebrate halloween by «I›m glad I don›t believe halloween is a day
providing historical and cultural insight on when spirits can walk the earth freely, or I
why it is celebrated globally. would›ve been terrified,» Said a student at
Long ago, Halloween began as part of the NIS.
ancient Celtic religion in Britain and other Trick or treat? Nothing is for certain. So
keep dressing up scarily, you never know if
the spirits will come out.

44 NIS Magazine

HALLOWDEaEyN

As usual, the NIS American Early Years annual Fall Festival was I would like to thank the
a wonderful opportunity for everyone in kindergarten to enjoy distinguished Early Years staff for
many great activities. their love, time and talents. We
It was much, much more than candy, we made a lasting impact simply love our little ones and
with our fall fest as each student showed up in magnificent nothing can bring us as much joy
costumes to celebrate the event and discover how to become a as their cute smiles!
part of a fairy tale, promenade in a costume parade and enjoy a
dancing competition along with numerous Tele Match games.
All students went home with a fall craft and of course a bag full
of fall treats. Students and staff all had a blast.

NIS Magazine 45

Winter Performance: ANA 3ARABY By Youssef Ayman

The NIS-American High School put on its first outstanding NIS Staff.
ever Winter performance centering around the Ana 3Arabi forces audiences to better understand
current state of the Arab World. This original play, the Middle East, by examining the past and present
written by the High School Arabic Department, through the eyes of students. Throughout the
and co-directed by Ms. Nourhan Shoeib and Mr. rehearsals, our High School Principal, Mr. Ahmed
Sherif Magdy, united the actors and audience Lofty and other senior leaders came up to the
through love, hope, and the exhalation of spirit participants while training to encourage them, and
through song. show their support for the impressive efforts and
  commitment put into the play.
Accompanied by the Middle School Choir, The play was written in response to the chaos felt
and under the instruction of music director, by varying forms of terrorism through the past few
Mr. Wessam el-Sherkawy, this inaugural Winter years. It expressed the resentment felt towards those
performance reflected on the Arab journey that have helped in funding the war for terror. The
throughout history. With live video streams, from concept wasn›t just to report on the events of our
Palestine to Syria and Iraq, there wasn›t a dry eye world, but also to act as a beacon of hope. Ana
in the audience. 3Arabi aimed to raise the students› self-esteem and
  allow them to regard themselves as proud nationals
By asking the tough questions and facing the reality - the same way another other citizen in any other
of our problems, head on, the students successfully country would.
communicated the imperative need to come When we stand together -  stand united -  we will
together as a people, once more. In a lifetime of end the bloodshed. We will overcome the wars. We
bombs, guns, and political will, they opened a door will live to see peace in our lifetime, and secure it
of hope and light. for our children, as well.
The performance was attended by Dr. Nermien
Ismail, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Dr. Fadia Atef,
and all the Senior Leadership Team along with the

46 NIS Magazine

Giving Back

Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Autism Awareness Day
Charity Visit 57357
Giving a Hand to the Elderly

NIS Magazine 47

Those We’ve Lost Shall Never
Be Forgotten

By Faisal Greadly

Breast Cancer Awareness Day: How Important is she really was. How could they when she always
Unity? stayed strong and smiled, and gave hugs and spread
“In between all the darkness, there will always be love all around. She was always on duty and did
light, whether it be the sun, or the light within extra shifts. This was a woman that never let her
you” - Lily Tarek. sickness affect her moods, and never showed just
how tired she actually was.

Happiness and confidence are emotions that are How many people actually knew? Her passing took
truly vital to survive breast cancer. Positivity is so many of us by surprise.
the driving force that guides men and women Ms. Nicole passed away in February, two years after
who suffer from this dreadful disease to continue she was initially diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and
to fight what is considered to be one of the most her death left all of us in shock.
dangerous battles known to mankind.

Many women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer  “Ms. Nicole was an inspiration for all of us, even
every year. People face the losses and wins with after her death she has inspired me to always stay
their loved ones all the time. Even here at NIS, the happy and content with the life I’ve been given,
school witnessed one woman’s journey through and to always look forward to another day” - Aly 
the disease and the entire body was affected by her el-Matany.
battle in more ways than one. This year we celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness
This is a story about a strong, independent woman Day in memory of Ms. Nicole and all the souls
who fought for her life, and we’re sharing it to raise who lost their battles with Breast Cancer, but more
awareness to Breast Cancer. importantly we celebrated to spread awareness and
One of the strongest and most independent help those that are still fighting their battles with
women at the NIS 1st settlement campus was Ms. this vicious disease win their fights with Breast
Nicole Ghaly. She taught us how to smile, how to Cancer.
always be confident, how to stay strong, and how to Breast cancer can change you, and the change can
stay unified as one school - as one unit. She taught be beautiful. - Jane Cook, Breast cancer survivor.
us that there is always beauty in the bruises, and If you know anyone that has been or is diagnosed
that no matter how dark it may seem, the light will with Breast Cancer, please help spread awareness
always shine within us if we believe in it. with students at NIS to finally find a cure to this
Ms. Nicole was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two wicked disease by sharing your story.
years ago, and she never showed it. Almost none of Let’s conquer Breast Cancer for good.
her 6th grade students ever realized just how sick

48 NIS Magazine

October is Cancer Awareness Month

NIS Magazine 49

2nd April

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.
Have you ever had a hard time finding the right words to
express yourself? Have you ever been out with your friends
but felt like an outsider? At some point in our lives, we’ve
all experienced such a thing. Now, imagine this to be just
one scenario you live through almost every day of your life.
Add an added struggle with speech and communication.
Are you starting to get the picture?
Autism is not a disease; it’s a disorder. It can be detected
as early as 18 months of age through behavioral
observation. Closely linked to Asperger’s, autism refers
to a range of conditions characterized by challenges in:
Social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal
communications. It’s also recognized by unique strengths
and differences.
During our Morning Broadcast at NIS, we lit it up blue in
solidarity, support, and celebration of the challenges and
gifts that come with Autism.
To learn more about Autism, please visit https://www.
autismspeaks.org/what-autism

50 NIS Magazine