Weekly News & Learning

Assalam Aleikum!

Dear NISL Families,

NorthWest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) is inviting our students who will be in Grades 6-12 next year and who are interested in pursuing careers in health care to sign up for the Healthwise Summer Program!

The Healthwise summer program application is now open. This program is uniquely designed to provide an enriching experience for students eager to explore health careers while also enhancing their academic skills.

Healthwise offers students a chance to dive into subjects such as mathematics, anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, as well as reading and writing. The curriculum is structured to provide a well-rounded educational experience that helps students build a strong foundation for future academic success. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to engage with numerous healthcare and public health professionals. Throughout the program, students will also engage in hands-on activities, public health projects, tours to different universities and local healthcare facilities. This exposure will provide them with a deeper understanding of the careers in the healthcare industry and how to get there.

The program will take place from June 2nd – June 27th at Grace M. James Academy of Excellence, located at 1615 West Broadway Louisville, KY 40203. The program has a $25 fee to help cover insurance costs for participants. If this proposes a financial hardship, please contact Hanna Mohammed or Bradley Coffman by calling 502-778-1607. Their primary goal is to provide access to this rewarding experience for all students regardless of their inability to pay.

We encourage all interested students to apply now and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. The program is designed to help students discover their passion for careers in the health sciences while developing key skills that will benefit them along the way.

Sincerely,

Aisha Blagaia

Principal

Every Ramadan, Louisville area mosques join together to hold a community-wide Quran recitation competition for the youth.

This year, NISL students brought home second and third place trophies. You have made your parents, your school, and your teachers proud. Go Team NISL!

1st Grade

• Imran Elkhabbaze

2nd Grade

• Adam Mahran

• Rawane Elhayani

3rd Grade

• Fawaz Ahmed Naikar

• Fatou Sarr

5th Grade

• Luqman Elhayani

• Faiz Mohammad

6th Grade

• Habibou Sarr

• Sihaam Shafi

• Rimane Elhayani

8th Grade

• Sundus Shafi

9th Grade

• Salma Hassan

As we approach the end of Ramadan, I'd like to invite our school community to come together to show appreciation for Mr. Daniel Diaz, our dedicated and hard working custodian who has been with us for 6 years.

He has been working tirelessly, often late into the night, ensuring that our school remains clean and secure—especially during this blessed month, constantly adjusting his schedule around after-school events, masjid activities, and Taraweeh prayers. He cleans the entire center, the school, daycare, and masjid and never takes a day off!

To express our gratitude, we are asking each student and staff member from school and daycare to bring just $1 each. If everyone contributes, we can collect $200-$300 to present him with a thoughtful gift of appreciation before Eid.

Please send $1 CASH ONLY (or more if you’d like!) with your child by next Wednesday March 26, and let’s make sure Mr. Daniel knows how much we value his hard work and dedication.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your kindness and generosity!

For the first time ever, a team from Louisville—including 9 of our NISL high school students alongside other Muslim students from local public schools—is heading to MIST Nashville on April 18-20, 2025!

This is an incredible opportunity for them to showcase their talents in academics, arts, and leadership while proudly representing our community. Two of our teachers, Sr. Aisha Taylor and Sr. Wisal Alabdalla will be traveling with them as assistant coaches and supervisors.

Our students need your help to cover transportation and lodging costs. Even $1 can make a difference in helping them achieve their dreams. Please consider donating and sharing this effort with others. Every bit of support means the world to these young leaders of our ummah!

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for investing in the future of our youth!

We still need your feedback! If you haven’t completed the Cognia Parent Survey and CISNA Islamic Identity Parent Survey, please take a few minutes to do so by March 28.

Your responses are anonymous and directly impact school improvement.
Surveys are available in English and Arabic (use Google browser translation feature for other languages).

Our goal is 100% family participation!

Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate your time and support in shaping the future of NISL.

Cognia Parent Survey

CISNA Islamic Identity Parent Survey

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your partnership in making our school even better!

Alhamdulillah! NISL's first youth iftar was a success as student enjoyed good company and good food all while observing some of the Sunnahs of the Messenger of Allah!

Following the iftar, Sr. Aisha Taylor and Sr. Wisal Alaballah led a girls-only qiyaam session which was also a hit! Please click the video below to hear from some of the attendees!

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.”

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4811

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ‏ لاَ يَشْكُرُ اللَّهَ مَنْ لاَ يَشْكُرُ النَّاسَ

4811 سنن أبي داود كتاب الأدب باب في شكر المعروف

.

• I just want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Sr. Matou for her kindness, warmth, and wonderful presence. Your support and positivity have made a difference in so many ways, and your sweet nature will truly be missed. Wishing you all the joy and love as you embark on this beautiful new journey. Allahumma barik laha wa rizqha suhhatan wa ‘afiyah—May Allah bless her with good health and well-being. May this new chapter bring endless joy, barakah, and ease! (Sr. Noor H.)
• I'd like to wholeheartedly thank my Sister Rubeena. Your kindness and thoughtfulness truly mean a lot to me. Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impact, and your warmth and support have been a beautiful reminder of that. Jazak Allahu khayran, may Allah reward you with endless goodness and barakah. May He always fill your heart with peace, your life with ease, and your deeds with acceptance ! (Sr. Noor H.)
• I'd like to thank Sister Niveen. I’m so grateful for your wisdom and kindness. Your advice has been a source of guidance and comfort, and I truly appreciate your support. Jazak Allahu khayran, may Allah bless you with barakah, ease, and endless goodness ! (Sr. Noor H.)
• I'd like to thank Sister Bothaina. Your wisdom and kindness always leave a lasting impact, and I truly cherish the advice and warmth you share. May Allah bless you with good health, ease, and endless barakah in your life. Jazak Allahu khayran ! (Sr. Noor H.)
• I'd like to thank Sister Desiree' Wofford. I’m so grateful for you and your constant support. You’re always there to listen, understand, and offer guidance—whether it’s helping me fix problems or avoid them altogether. May you always be surrounded by kindness and receive the same support and care you give to others ! (Sr. Noor H.)
• I want to thank Ms. Mebarka for her assistance in creating the ticket shop! (Sr. Lobna)
• I want to thank Sister Khadija, the first-grade teacher's assistant, for her dedicated efforts, which are perfectly suited to her role. May Allah bless her! (Sr. Lobna)
• I want to thank Sister Amani for all the fantastic help putting together a video for my students! Thank you so much! (Sr. Lobna)
• I want to thank Sister Wisal for bringing joy to her students and constantly reviving Islam's rituals. She is a good example! (Sr. Lobna)
• Sister Amel, Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me with Social Studies materials, even after a long day of work. Your generosity and support mean a lot, and I truly appreciate it! (Sr. Walaa)
• Sr. Aisha T. and Sr. Wisal for designing an evening of worship, reflection, and unity for our middle and high school girls! The girls were so happy to be able to bond for qiyaam night! May Allah bless and protect you both and give you the energy and patience to continue in your mission! (Sr. Zainab)
• Sr. Nouna for flexibility, humility, and dedication to fairness. Your sincerity will never go unnoticed! (Sr. Zainab)

• Mar. 21: 3rd Quarter Report Cards Released
• Mar. 29: Kentucky State Science and Engineering Fair (KY-SEF) at EKU
• Mar. 31-Apr. 4: NO SCHOOL - Eid Ul-Fitr & Spring Break
• April 22: NISL PTO general body meeting Room #211 @ 4:30PM

...inshaAllah

Reminders/Notes

Please make sure your child brings a water bottle to school each day. Having their own bottle allows them to stay hydrated whenever they need. They are allowed to refill their bottle at the water fountain, but students without a bottle will not be permitted to make frequent trips to the fountain.

Landforms and Bodies of Water

• Learn about different landforms (mountains, valleys, hills) and bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans).
• Create a simple map that includes a river, mountain, and ocean.

PE

Develop fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and physical fitness through fun and engaging activities that promote active participation, cooperation, and enjoyment of physical exercise.

SEL

• Understand Self-Management – Learn how to take responsibility for thoughts, emotions, and actions in various situations.
• Recognize Social and Emotional Positive Actions – Identify behaviors that foster healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
• Develop Emotional Awareness – Learn to recognize and name different emotions and understand their impact on decision-making.
• Practice Self-Regulation – Explore techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk to manage emotions effectively.
• Build Healthy Relationships – Understand the importance of respect, empathy, and communication in social interactions.

REMINDERS & NOTES

As-Salamu Alaykum" Greeting Card

English Language Arts

Amplify Skills 7

• Lesson 6: Grammar – Noun-Verb Agreement

• Lesson 7: Grammar – Commas in a Series

• Lesson 8: Grammar – Root Words with Inflectional Endings

• Lesson 9: Review and Practice – Tricky Words & Punctuation

• Lesson 10: Review and Practice – Spelling Assessment

Knowledge 10: A New Nation

• Lesson 1: The New World

• Lesson 2: The Boston Tea Party

• Lesson 3: Shot Heard ‘Round the World

• Lesson 4: Declaring Independence

• Lesson 5: The Legend of Betsy Ross

This week, we will also focus on improving writing skills and comprehension.

🕌 Islamic Studies

🔢 Math

• Friday: Lesson 26 Assessment/Quiz

• Additional Focus: Numbers & Operations, Measurement & Units, and Geometry (2D & 3D Shapes)

🌱 Science:

• Learning about the Water Cycle
• Water Cycle Quiz – Thursday, 3/27

🌎 Social Studies

• Chapter 5, Lesson 6: Technology Then and Now

• Chapter 5, Lesson 6 quiz on Tuesday

PE

Develop fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and physical fitness through fun and engaging activities that promote active participation, cooperation, and enjoyment of physical exercise.

SEL

• Understand Self-Management – Learn how to take responsibility for thoughts, emotions, and actions in various situations.
• Recognize Social and Emotional Positive Actions – Identify behaviors that foster healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
• Develop Emotional Awareness – Learn to recognize and name different emotions and understand their impact on decision-making.
• Practice Self-Regulation – Explore techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk to manage emotions effectively.
• Build Healthy Relationships – Understand the importance of respect, empathy, and communication in social interactions.

Unit 7 - Lesson 11: Simple Coding Concept Learn to Drag and Drop

Experiment with standard block-based programming actions such as: clicking, drag and drop, etc.

REMINDERS & NOTES

After spring break, there will be:

• Quiz on Math Unit 4-Lesson 20: Measure in inches and centimeters on 4/7/2025

• Test on Social Studies Chapter 4: Lessons 1, 2, and 3 on Monday, 4/7/2025.
• Test on Math Lesson 21: Measure in feet and meters on 4/11/2025.

Raz-Kids is still required for homework and is part of the homework grade. Students must complete two stories per week. A study guide for Social Studies or a practice quiz/test for Math will be sent home, Insha'Allah.

Eid Mubarak and Jazakum Allah Khairan.

English Language Arts

Skills 4

Lesson 22 Unit Assessment: Reading Comprehension and Grammar.

• Read “The Tally” independently and answer written multiple-choice questions about key details in the text.

• Identify grammatically correct proper noun forms, identify parts of speech in written sentences,

• Rewrite grammatically incorrect sentences, rewrite singular nouns as plurals, and complete fill-in-the-blank sentences with the correct form of the verb to be.

Lesson 23 Unit Assessment: Fluency and Dictation Identification

• l read “The Visit” orally with appropriate rate, accuracy, and expression and will answer oral literal recall questions about key details in the text.

• Hear dictated words and select the correct word from a list of similarly spelled words and will circle words that share the same vowel sounds as dictated words..

Lesson 25 Unit Assessment: Fluency and Dictation Identification

• Read “The Visit” orally with appropriate rate, accuracy, and expression and will answer oral literal recall questions about key details in the text.

• Hear dictated words and select the correct word from a list of similarly spelled words and will circle words that share the same vowel sounds as dictated words.

Grammar: Conjugation of regular verbs in the present and past tenses

• Students will learn how to conjugate regular verbs in the present and past tenses.

• They will practice using these verbs correctly in sentences.

Math

Technology

Unit 9: Lesson 12: Simple Coding Concept - Sequencing with Angry Birds

• Develop sequential algorithms to move a bird from one side of a maze to the pig at the other side.
• Stack code blocks together in a linear sequence.

Art

Eid Pop-Up Greeting Card

• Design the Pop-Up Mechanism.
• Decorate the Pop-Up Feature.
• Add Interior and Exterior Decorations.
• Personalize Your heartfelt message inside the card to convey your Eid greetings.

REMINDERS & NOTES

Spelling List 23 Group A

germy digest nudge giraffe exchange eject average budget jellyfish jewel

ridge dodge fringe fudge subject legend lodging bridging knowledge gymnasium

Spelling List 23 Group B

germy digest nudge giraffe exchange eject average budget jellyfish jewel

ridge dodge fringe fudge subject legend

ELA

Unit 7 Astronomy: Our Solar System and Beyond

Lesson 7 Compare and Contrast Galaxies

• Listen to and read text about galaxies to find key ideas, details, words, and phrases.
• Compare and contrast two texts on the same topic.
• Change the meaning of root words by adding suffixes –ful and –less.

Lesson 8 Constellations and Stars

• Read informational text about constellations and answer comprehension questions by finding evidence in the text.
• Listen to an informational text and a poem read aloud about constellations and stars and compare ideas in the texts.
• Show cause and effect by writing sentences using the conjunction so.

Lesson 9 Space Exploration

• Make before and after responses to text read aloud about space exploration.
• Write an opinion about the future of space exploration.

Lesson 10 Exploring Space

• Read informational text about space exploration and answer comprehension questions by finding evidence in the text.
• Find the relationship between content vocabulary words about astronomy using information gathered from reading and from the glossary.
• Respond to text about space exploration in a variety of ways and for different purposes.

Spelling Test Friday 3/28

BOOK CLUB on Friday: Objective: Small Reading Groups based on iReady skill level

• Discuss the chapters read: Main idea, characters, plot, setting etc.
• Grammar: Subject-verb agreement Part 1

Math

Unit 4 Fractions: Equivalence and Comparison, Measurement and Data Lesson 20:

Understanding what a Fraction is: SESSIONS 1-3

Lesson 20 Quiz: Monday, 3/24

Social Studies

Chapter 6 A Growing Nation

Lesson 2-4 New Ways to Travel

Know how new ways of traveling have changed people's lives.

Chapter 6 Test: Friday, 3/28

Technology

Unit 9: Lesson 12: Simple Coding Concept - Sequencing with Angry Birds

• Develop sequential algorithms to move a bird from one side of a maze to the pig at the other side.
• Stack code blocks together in a linear sequence.

Art

Eid Pop-Up Greeting Card

• Design the Pop-Up Mechanism.
• Decorate the Pop-Up Feature.
• Add Interior and Exterior Decorations.
• Personalize Your heartfelt message inside the card to convey your Eid greetings.

REMINDERS & NOTES

English H.W: RazKids 2 Stories

• Assigned: Monday, 3/24
• Due: Friday, 3/28

Math worksheets:

• Assigned: Monday, 3/24
• Due: Friday, 3/28

English Language Arts

Unit 3 Eurkea! Student Inventor!

Lesson 7: If at First You Don’t Succeed—Failure

• Speaking and Listening: Participate in collaborative discussions to evaluate their inventions and Offer suggestions for improvement.
• Writing: Write an opinion piece on the usefulness of failure in the inventing process using examples from history and their own experiences.

Lesson 8 Why We Invent

• Writing: Revise or complete writing challenges from previous lessons. Write two short, informative pieces describing their own invention idea, the problem it solves, including its purpose and function.
• Speaking and Listening: Share their ideas about inventions through paired interviews, sharing their ideas, and taking notes.

Math

Unit 4: Fractions, Decimals, and Measurement: Addition, Subtraction, and Multiplication

Science

Science Unit 2 : Vision and Light

• Use their understanding of structure and function to discuss plant and animal reproduction.
• Engage in a brief writing activity that allows them to demonstrate their learning thus far in the unit

REMINDERS & NOTES

Vocab/Spelling located on Google Classroom.

English Language Arts

Unit: 4 Ecosystem Restoration

Chapter 1: Why aren’t the jaguars and sloths growing and thriving?

• Lesson 1.2 Introducing Ecosystems
• Lesson 1.3 Matter Makes It All Up

An ecosystem is a community of organisms in an environment. There are many different kinds of ecosystems. A terrarium is a model ecosystem.

Technology

Unit 7 - Lesson 8: Introduction to Coding with Simple Programs

What is Coding ? | How does coding help kids ? | What is Programmer | Code | Command | Sequence | Unplugged ? | What is Sequence in detail ? Video's - Coding and Sequence | Quiz

Art

Eid Pop-Up Greeting Card

• Design the Pop-Up Mechanism.
• Decorate the Pop-Up Feature.
• Add Interior and Exterior Decorations.
• Personalize Your heartfelt message inside the card to convey your Eid greetings.

REMINDERS & NOTES

📜 Ramadan Tracker – Quran Progress
Track Quran reading to encourage consistency and reflection throughout the blessed month.

Tajweed Focus: Idgham Shafawi

PE

Develop fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and physical fitness through fun and engaging activities that promote active participation, cooperation, and enjoyment of physical exercise.

Specific Objectives:

1. Skill Development: Improve locomotor skills (running, jumping, skipping) and object control skills (throwing, catching, dribbling) through interactive games.

2. Fitness Awareness: Engage in activities that enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility while having fun.

3. Teamwork & Cooperation: Foster social interaction, teamwork, and communication through group-based challenges.

4. Sportsmanship: Encourage respect, fair play, and positive attitudes during all activities.

5. Enjoyment of Physical Activity: Promote a love for movement

Art

Eid Pop-Up Greeting Card

• Design the Pop-Up Mechanism.
• Decorate the Pop-Up Feature.
• Add Interior and Exterior Decorations.
• Personalize Your heartfelt message inside the card to convey your Eid greetings.

REMINDERS & NOTES

📌 Reminders for Parents:

✅ Encourage your child to review their 99 Names of Allah planner daily.

✅ Help them stay on track with their Quran reading goals.

✅ Support them in practicing Tajweed rules at home.

Lesson 21: Solve Problems Involving Percent Change and Percent Error

Learn about percent change and percent error using real world applications.

• HW pp. 457, 458
• Due on Tuesday, 3/25

📜 Ramadan Tracker – Quran Progress
Students will track their Quran reading to encourage consistency and reflection throughout the blessed month.

Tajweed Focus: Idgham Shafawi

Students will also study Idgham Shafawi, a Tajweed rule related to the Mīm Sākinah (م)

Objectives

Students will review and be assessed on their understanding of light and its properties.

PE

Develop fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and physical fitness through fun and engaging activities that promote active participation, cooperation, and enjoyment of physical exercise.

Specific Objectives:

1. Skill Development: Improve locomotor skills (running, jumping, skipping) and object control skills (throwing, catching, dribbling) through interactive games.

2. Fitness Awareness: Engage in activities that enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility while having fun.

3. Teamwork & Cooperation: Foster social interaction, teamwork, and communication through group-based challenges.

4. Sportsmanship: Encourage respect, fair play, and positive attitudes during all activities.

5. Enjoyment of Physical Activity: Promote a love for movement

Art

Eid Pop-Up Greeting Card

• Design the Pop-Up Mechanism.
• Decorate the Pop-Up Feature.
• Add Interior and Exterior Decorations.
• Personalize Your heartfelt message inside the card to convey your Eid greetings.

REMINDERS & NOTES

Objectives

1. Explain that each parent randomly passes on one of its two copies of each gene to its offspring. Each offspring, therefore, receives two copies of each gene, one from each parent.
2. Explain that each offspring can inherit a different combination of gene versions. Therefore, siblings can have different traits from each other and even from their parents.