Weekly News & Learning

Student Cell Phone Use at NISL

As we continue working to strengthen our learning environment and support the overall wellbeing of our students, we kindly ask for your partnership regarding student cell phone use, especially among our younger students. Across the country, schools have been seeing an increase in classroom distractions, reduced academic focus, social-emotional challenges, and safety concerns connected to early and frequent access to personal devices. National recommendations now strongly encourage limiting or prohibiting cell phones during the school day to help students remain engaged, attentive, and socially connected in healthier ways.

At NISL, we have also observed some of these patterns. Many students in elementary and middle school are carrying personal cell phones with unmonitored access to the internet and social media during non-instructional times. This can affect learning, social interactions, and overall school climate.

We respectfully ask parents to discourage giving students cell phones at young ages and to avoid sending devices to school. Students who do not have personal phones are often more focused, more socially engaged with their peers, and less overwhelmed by unnecessary digital distractions.

Many states have now enacted laws restricting or fully banning student cell phones in schools, including Kentucky, in order to support safer and more focused learning environments. NISL will be also revising our cell phone policy in the near future to align with nationwide efforts to restrict cell phones in school. We hope to work closely with families as partners in making these positive changes.

Thank you for your continued support, your trust, and your commitment to helping us build an environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Kindergarten Enrollment for 2026–2027
We are pleased to announce that kindergarten enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is now open for current NISL families. Children who will be five years old by August 1, 2026 are eligible to apply.
Kindly note that available seats are limited, and priority consideration will be given to siblings of current NISL students who submit applications by December 31, 2025. Applications may be picked up directly from the main office. We encourage families to apply as early as possible.

✏️ Reminders

• Next week is Fall Break — there will be no school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (November 26–28). School will resume on Monday, December 1st, in shaa Allah.

• Please help your child rest and recharge, but also read a little every day (even 10–15 minutes is great!).

• Try to keep a reasonable sleep schedule, especially toward the end of the break, so it’s easier to wake up for school again.

When we return from break, please remember to:

• Send a water bottle every day.

• Make sure your child is in proper uniform.

• Send a jacket/coat if the weather is cold.

• Amplify Skill 6 & Knowledge Domain 3 – Stories

• Learning that “s” can make the /z/ sound (as in is, his, has, runs).
  

• Practicing consonant blends like stop, mask, clap.
  

• Reading short decodable stories from the Reader Kit.
  

• Listening to, discussing, and retelling classic and multicultural stories.
  

• Identifying characters, setting, and plot.
  

• Retelling stories using complete sentences and explaining the lesson/moral.

🕌 Islamic Studies

• Learning and practicing all steps of Wudu using visual aids.
• Practicing Salat movements: Takbeer, Ruku, Sujood, and proper etiquettes.
• Beginning to memorize At-Tahiyyatu lillah with correct pronunciation.
• Listening to audio recitation, repeating phrases, and practicing in pairs.

➗ Math

🕤 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
(Snack/Bathroom Break: 9:30–9:45)

• Working on addition and subtraction word problems.
  

• Completing individualized assignments based on each child’s skill level.
  

• Practicing strategies to solve simple math story problems independently and in groups.

Science/SEL/Social Studies

Topic: Lesson 4 words with kasra

• Identify the place of the Kasra on letters.

• Pronounce each letter of the alphabet with a Kasra.

• Pronounce the Kasra correctly in words made up of two, three, and four letters.

• Pronounce new words using the “Sound It Out” Method.

📌 Reminders

• Homework: homework packet will be sent home on Friday, November 21. It will be due on Friday, December 5.
  

• Fall Break: There is no school November 26–28 for fall break.
  

• Spelling Test: There will be no spelling test on Friday, November 28. Our next spelling test will be on Friday, December 5.
  

Unit C - Chapter 4: Salat

• Learn how to prepare for Salah by practicing the steps of Wudu.
  

• Review Zayd’s story and practice the steps with motions.
  

• Daily routines include Wudu practice, Dhuhr Salah, and daily du’a.
  

• Small support helps students who need extra sequencing practice.
  

Collect & Compare Data (Unit 3 - Lesson 13)

• Learn to collect, organize, and compare data.
  

• Practice tallies, charts, and picture graphs.
  

• Answer how many, how many more, and how many fewer questions.

• Continue practicing addition/subtraction and reviewing past skills for the upcoming i-Ready assessment.

🔬 Science (Amplify)

Unit 2: Light and Sound - Chapter 3

Lesson 3.6: Explaining the Puppet Show Scene

Topic: Lesson 6 (words with tanween )

Test on Surah Al Ma'un

• Recognize the shape of Tanween Fat-ha.

• Identify the place of Tanween Fat-ha on letters and words.

• Pronounce each letter of the alphabet with Tanween Fat-ha.

• Pronounce Tanween Fat-ha as a noon Saakina when the Tanween Fat-ha is at the end of a word.

• Recognize some of the letters that are pronounced but not written.

Homework: Workbook

• Spelling Word Assessment: Monday, November 24
• No Homework Fall break

Unit 2: Numbers Within 100: Addition, Subtraction, Time, and Money

Lesson 8: Use Addition and Subtraction Strategies with Two-Digit Numbers

• Session 3: Develop

• Session 4: Refine

Quiz for Lesson 8 will be after the break, in shaa Allah

Social Studies

Chapter 2: Working to meet our needs

• Review for social studies test lesson 4,5

• Test 2 social studies test lesson 4, 5

Test 2: Lessons 4 & 5 on 11/24/2025

• Lesson 4: Service Workers and Their Jobs
• Lesson 5: Trading for Goods and Services

Knowledge review

Explore different Civilizations; compare and contrast different aspects of a civilization.

Review – Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

• Recall where and when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born.

• Know about his family and early life.

• Recall the early work and honesty of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

• Know how he became a Prophet.

• Understand his main message: worship Allah alone and be kind to others.
  

• Bidaya book
• Quiz - Reading: Lesson 16: The Connecting Hamza (Hamzat Al-Wasul)
• Quiz - B: Surat al Bayyna

Technology

Unit 5 - Lesson 9: Typing - Bottom Row Keys

• Llearn to identify and type bottom row keys using correct finger placement, accuracy, and posture.

Art

Watercolor techniques.

• Learn how to paint using the wet-on-wet technique, where water helps colors spread and blend beautifully.

There will be no homework this week as it is only 2 days. Therefore, no spelling/vocabulary words or quizzes.

Mini Mysteries Review Packet: Solve the clues to solve the mystery.

• Triple digit addition
• Addition within 1,000
• Adding large numbers
• Multiply by multiples of 10

Color by Multiplication and Division

• Review Multiplication and Division facts

SOCIAL STUDIES

President Research Project:

FNISH PRESENTATIONS OF POSTERS

Review: Hajj – The Fifth Pillar of Islam

• Identify Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam.
  

• Know it is performed in Makkah during Dhul-Hijjah.
  

• Explain why Muslims go for Hajj – to obey Allah and follow Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.).
  

• Learn lessons of Hajj – patience, unity, and worship.

• Complete Qaida
• Quiz reading lesson 10
• The Hamzatul Wasl -page 116-117-118
• Quiz
• Surat Al Bayyina

PE

Lesson 01

Speed Development

1. Demonstrate proper running mechanics (knees up, arms pumping, forward lean) to improve speed.
   

2. Perform short sprint drills to increase acceleration and quickness.
   

Cardiovascular Development

1. Participate in continuous movement activities (running, jogging, circuits) to increase heart rate and build endurance.
   

2. Explain why cardiovascular exercise is important for overall health and fitness.

Art

Watercolor Galaxy Painting!

Students will explore watercolor techniques to create a galaxy effect, practicing color blending, layering, and creative expression.

• Spelling Word Assessment: Monday November 24
• Please sign form if you would like me to send fall break packet and/or winter break (12/22/25-1/05/26) packet custom for their

Unit 5 Geology Introduction

Unit 2: Operations: Multiplication, Division, and Algebraic Thinking

Lesson 9: Number and Shape Patterns

• Session 1: Explore

• Session 2: Develop

Review: Salat ul-Jumu‘ah & Sunnah Prayers

• Identify Salat ul-Jumu‘ah as the Friday prayer and know when it is performed.
  

• Explain the purpose of the Khutbah.
  

• Recognize the two types of Sunnah prayers (Mu’akkadah and Ghair-Mu’akkadah).
  

• List examples of Sunnah prayers.

• Rules of Tajwid
• Reading quiz
• Lesson 18 pages 57 -60
• Al Ikhfā’ Shafawī (الإخفاء الشفوي)
• Quiz surat al Naziat from 37-46

Art

Watercolor Galaxy Painting!

Students will explore watercolor techniques to create a galaxy effect, practicing color blending, layering, and creative expression.

Narnia Project due Nov. 26

• Narnia Party-Bring snacks, cups, and paper plates.

• Finish Narnia Activity-study guide over break
• Narnia Project due Nov.25

Math

Review: Adding Fractions

• Practice Improper to Mixed Fractions
• Practice Mixed to Improper Fractions
• Complete Splash T.A.

Social Studies

Life in the Colonies Group Project- Due Dec 10th

Bring Supplies Monday-24th

Review – Story of Prophet Hūd (A.S.)

• Recall who Prophet Hūd (A.S.) was and the people he was sent to.
  

• Describe the main message he taught (worship Allah alone).
  

• Explain how the people of ‘Ād responded to him.
  

• Identify the lesson Muslims should learn from this story.

• Rules of Tajwid
• Reading quiz
• Lesson 18 pages 57 -60
• Al Ikhfā’ Shafawī (الإخفاء الشفوي)
• Quiz surat al Naziat

Art

Watercolor Galaxy Painting!

Students will explore watercolor techniques to create a galaxy effect, practicing color blending, layering, and creative expression

6B - Mysteries and Investigations.

Sub-unit 5: Write an Essay -

• Lesson 3 : Making Claims and Gathering Evidence

• Lesson 2: Writing Body Paragraphs

FALL BREAK 2

OBJECTIVES

• Write body paragraphs

• Provide evidence

NB. Students will continue to work on their Mysteries and Investigations clues for the Group Project Scavenger Hunt at the end of the quarter.

UNIT FIQH

Chapter: Athan & Iqaamah - Imam & Jumuah

• Continue discussing the method and importance of performing the Jumu’ah Salah and it’s rulings.
• Outline the conditions of being an Imam.
• Discuss the method and importance of performing the Jumu’ah Salah and it’s rulings.
• Learn about Talqeen, Janaza Salah and Ghusl.

Test on all these topics will be next week Tuesday, Nov. 25

Unit 3: Ratio Reasoning: Ratio Concepts and Equivalent Ratios

Lesson 12: Understand Ratio Concepts

• Session 1 and 2 homework is due Tuesday.

• Lesson 12 Quiz will be on Tuesday.

📖 Lesson 7a: Rukoo’ & Sujood Prayers

• Understanding the meanings of Subhana Rabbi Al-‘Adheem and Subhana Rabbi Al-A‘la
• Reflecting on Allah’s greatness and attributes mentioned in these phrases
• Teaching students to say these words with love, respect, and understanding during prayer
• Checking students’ reading and memorization.

Science Fair Project Updates

NGSS Standards- Nature of Science

• 1: Science investigations use a variety of methods and tools to make measurements and observations.
• 2: Science investigations are guided by a set of values to ensure accuracy of measurements, observations, and objectivity of findings.
• 5: Science knowledge is based upon logical and conceptual connections between evidence and explanations.

• Introduced to the components of writing a scientific introduction, and practice recognizing the component in a sample scientific introduction.
• Create an introduction to their Science Fair Project.

Chapter 1 – The United States
Section 1: Chapter Atlas

• Identifying major U.S. landforms and climate zones
• Understanding how natural resources shape each region
• Learning how geography affects population and migration

7B - Character and Conflict

Sub-unit 4: Write an Essay

• Lesson 4: Claims and Introductions

• Lesson 5: Conclusions, Editing and Polishing

FALL BREAK 2

OBJECTIVES:

• Write informative essays

• Gather evidence to support their claim statement

• Use transitions and editing correctly

NB. Students will continue to work on their pair projects on developing a film / board game about their character

Unit: TAREEKH

Chapter: Islamic Empires

• Study the timeline of different dynasties that ruled the Islamic world from Khulafa Rashidoon to the Ottoman Empire.

Test on all the Islamic empires will be next week Tuesday, Nov. 25

Unit 3: Numbers and Operations: Multiply and Divide Rational Numbers.

Lesson 14: Use the Four Operations with Negative Numbers

• Session 2 homework is due on Tuesday.

Lesson 2c: Weak Verb (دعا)

• Recognizing and forming the weak verb دعا in past, present.
• Understanding how weak verbs change when the weak letter is removed or replaced
• Conjugating دعا in ماضي، مضارع ،
• Using the verb correctly in short sentences

NGSS Standards- Nature of Science

• 1-Science investigations use a variety of methods and tools to make measurements and observations.
• 2-Science investigations are guided by a set of values to ensure accuracy of measurements, observations, and objectivity of findings.
• 5-Science knowledge is based upon logical and conceptual connections between evidence and explanations.
• 6-Science disciplines share common rules of obtaining and evaluating empirical evidence.

Objectives

• Be introduced to and practice identifying independent and be able to identify co-dependent variables in a scientific study.
• Identify constants.
• Explain replications in an experimental design and how they affect accuracy of results.

Chapter 4: Ancient Egypt and Nubia
Section 2: Art, Architecture, and Learning in Egypt

• How the Egyptians created one of the first writing systems
• Major achievements in math, science, art, architecture, and literature
• The key accomplishments that made ancient Egypt advanced
• How math and engineering helped build the pyramids

NB. All work submitted that is AI-generated will receive an F-grade and no makeups will be allowed.

8 B - Liberty and Equality.

Sub-unit 5: The Gettysburg Address

• Lesson 5: Flex Day 4

Sub-unit 6: Write an Essay

• Lesson 1: Making a Claim and Gathering Evidence

FALL BREAK 2

OBJECTIVES

• Demonstrate command of conventions of the English language

• Write informative and explanatory texts

N.B. Continue working on the paraphrasing of their country’s policies for the Model United Nations Debate

Student Presentations:

• Recognize the four imams of the schools of fiqh, their backgrounds and achievements. Realize the necessity of following one and the problem of mixing-matching or Fatwa Shopping.
• Explain the importance of Taqlid. Recognize who is a Mujtahid.
• Understand with Seerah, Math and LA examples how different understandings/rulings came for the same issue

NA

Unit 3: Linear Relationships: Slope, Linear Equations, and Systems

Lesson 11: Determine the Number of Solutions to One-Variable Equations

• Session 2 homework is due on Tuesday.

• Lesson 10 quiz will be on Tuesday.

Lesson 7d: Show Allah! (Al-Baqarah 55–57)

• How Bani Israel demanded to see Allah and were punished
• How Allah still showed them mercy with food, shade, and protection
• Understanding that Allah’s power never changes—He is always in control
• Continuing this lesson and reviewing the meaning of the related ayahs in Surah Al-Baqarah

• Checking students’ reading and memorization.

NGSS Standards- Nature of Science

• 1-Science investigations use a variety of methods and tools to make measurements and observations.
• 2-Science investigations are guided by a set of values to ensure accuracy of measurements, observations, and objectivity of findings.
• 5-Science knowledge is based upon logical and conceptual connections between evidence and explanations.
• 6-Science disciplines share common rules of obtaining and evaluating empirical evidence.

• Intoduced to and practice identifying independent andbe able to identify co dependent variables in a scientific study.
• Identify constants.
• Explain replications in an experimental design and how they affect accuracy of results.

Chapter 5: The 13 English Colonies

Section 5: Settling the Southern Colonies

• The founding of Maryland
• The creation and division of the Carolinas
• Georgia’s goals as a new colony
• Key Southern Colony crops and economies