The Islamic Weekend School (IWS) is pleased to welcome you all to our 2011-2012 school year. Registration and first day of classes for the 2011-2012 IWS school year will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the Westland MS.
Parents will be expected to submit registration forms and make the appropriate payment for their child(ren) on this date. Please be prepared to make payment either in cash or by personal check for the full school year or in two installments. Alternatively, payment can be made via PayPal (on the IWS website, www.islamicweekendschool.org). Financial assistance will be considered where necessary.
The registration fees for the coming school year include the costs for the purchase of textbooks and workbooks (where necessary) for each registered student for the entire school year. Fees are listed on the attached Registration Form along with a suggested donation in order to help us maintain our IRS tax-exempt status. There is a slight fee restructuring this year. Please remember that all donations to IWS are tax-deductible. Additionally, a membership fee of $10 per family is still effective, as required by the IWS bylaws.
Alternatively, contributions to the school can be channeled through United Way Campaign. United Way matches a percent of your donation thereby increasing the amount donated to the school. If you would like to donate through United Way please write a check to United Way Capital Area and write Center for Islamic Education- Agency Code 8576 in the memo section.
As in past years, our school hours will be from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with Salat al-Zuhr incorporated into each day of classes. Participation in Zuhr prayers is considered to be part of the curriculum that children are expected to attend (and of course parents are encouraged to participate in). Students are placed by grade level, age, and teacher recommendation. Each level will include age-appropriate Religion and Quran/Arabic subject matter. There are currently 4 lower levels and 2 higher levels, students normally spend 2 years at each level.
It should be noted that we will be holding an IWS Back to School Parent Meeting on September 25th from 11:00 to 11:30 AM in the Westland MS auditorium. We urge all parents to attend and participate in this event, as important information will be shared regarding this year’s approach to curriculum and teachers as well as an opportunity for exchange of information between parents and IWS administration staff.
We encourage all parents to join the growing group of IWS volunteers and actively take part in school functions. Each of us who has been fortunate enough to participate in IWS over the years has received a great sense of satisfaction in contributing to the enrichment of all IWS students and to the growth of our community. Volunteering at the schools adds value to the school and is a very positive role model for our children, it sends a clear message to the children. The message being, this is of great importance and is worth taking the time for. As our student population and programs expand, the need for committed parent participation increases. We cannot operate the school in a meaningful manner without your involvement.
For your convenience, we have enclosed herewith the IWS 2011/2012 School Year Calendar and Registration Form. Also, you may visit our web site for additional information, news, and future announcements at any time at www.islamicweekendschool.org.
We look forward to seeing you on September 11th insha’Allah.
Very truly yours,
Mariam Osman
Principal
