The first six weeks at TAISM have been anything but boring. In English, students are diving into memoirs and fiction, dissecting texts and learning to read like a professor: thinking about why authors make certain choices and how literary techniques shape meaning and understanding. AP Literature students are analyzing Things Fall Apart, while AP Language students are breaking down speeches and quotes like rhetorical detectives, exploring how language persuades, informs, and inspires. In english classes, participation often earns candy, though with an aim that’s “questionable” at best, the laughter is just as rewarding as the treat.
Science classes have been hands-on and dynamic, covering topics from free body diagrams and motion to enzymes, electricity, and intermolecular forces in AP Chemistry. AP Biology students have discovered firsthand that being a butcher isn’t as easy as it seems. Math is getting trickier too, with derivatives, polynomial functions, and factoring challenging everyone. In social studies, Mr. Elsen fabricated a creative twist, students have been making political memes and debating concepts like political legitimacy of the AP 6 countries, proving that learning can be both critical and hilarious.
AP courses are running at full speed, and all classes are pushing students to stay focused and engaged. Qays, a freshman, said Algebra has been his toughest class, but his advice to fellow students? “Listen to Kanye”. Kousha (grade 12) offered a tip for balancing schoolwork with life outside the classroom: “Start planning ahead. Be prepared and engaged so you can have fun outside of class.”
Outside the classroom, student life has been buzzing. Seniors began with their final “first day” at TAISM, a bittersweet milestone marking the start of their last year. They also celebrated with the traditional senior breakfast and a retreat on the water—where some bravely jumped off the boat—making memories that will last a lifetime. Even on “normal” school days, laughter fills the halls, whether it’s a candy throw gone rogue or students racing to finish group experiments before the bell.
Extracurriculars are thriving,too. Model United Nations (MUN) has seen a surge in new participants, reflecting its growing popularity. Secretary General Tasman (grade 12) explained, “Friends are convincing ‘their’ friends to join because MUN is actually fun! Letting people socialize and debate controversial topics makes meetings more interesting.”

By Nedal, grade 12