Namaste Parents,

Thanks to Alka ji for the Yoga class on January 10, 2021. 

 News about school: Seeing the current Covid 19 situation, the school will be continuing online only during the second semester.

The second semester fees are due by January 24, 2021, please use the following link to make the payment, thank you for those who have paid already

https://iswonline.org/event-3733322/Registration

Also, your child's teacher will be communicating with you regarding the midterm exam soon.

Please check for the materials needed for the Republic Day Tricolor Indian Flag with slime.

(Details are below the schedule)

Please check the schedule below:

January 16/17

 10:00am – 11:30am –Telugu ( Saturday)

  09:30am - 10:30am – Hindi class - Session 1(Sunday) 

11:00am - 11:30 am –  Cultural - Religion and Indology 

   A) For Younger kids- Religion with Poornima -  ZOOM Link-

https://zoom.us/j/96137939007?pwd=R1ZkVDBtRVJPQmFPV0FDMkJucFordz09

   B) For kids 8 years and Older - Indology class with Niraj Mohanka - Zoom Link-

https://zoom.us/j/95396247900?pwd=MjV5UjduL0ZibUlMRWZYOUxyQ09hZz09

11:30 pm – Marathi, Tamil and Gujarati class -Session 2 -(Sunday)

(1) On January 24, 2021, we will be celebrating Republic Day, with Hindi 4 presenting 'Pioneers of Modern India' series, and Ria Seth will show us how to make a tricolor Indian Flag with slime.  Here are the ingredients, that can be doubled if needed

Ria’s slime class essentials
These are the ingredients down below!
The other stuff is: A bowl, A spoon or Spatula and some disposable gloves.
Elmer's school glue 8oz bottle. (I have tried many different types of glue and they didn’t work
 
2. Activator:
1 1/2 – 2 Tablespoons contact lens saline solution, more as needed  or Saline solution is 1 teaspoon salt in two cups of water
1 Tablespoon baking soda  
3. Decorations: You will need some orange and green paint or food coloring.  For the Chakra on the flag you can draw it and cut it out and put it in a ziploc.

Also, your child's teacher will be communicating with you regarding the midterm exam soon.

(2) Donate towards the ISW Expansion Fund: ISW India center's expansion program is well underway.  If you are eligible for a company match, do start the  process soon since it does take 3-4 weeks to complete the paperwork.  More information at https://iswonline.org/Donate

(3) ISW school will hold a virtual Giving Tree .  We are collecting Mittens and Hats for the ISW Crisis Committee until January 31, 2021, you can contact school@iswonline.org. 

(4) ISW Tutoring Match Program

Looking for Homework Help? The ISW Tutoring Match Program is getting ready for the 5th round of matching. If you have a student who is interested in being a volunteer teacher or if you are looking for homework help for your child, please email tutoring@iswonline.org. .Mansi Gera, Krishnaa Amin, Shubh Agrawal, Ruchi Chauhan & Shiamin Melville

(5) Navigating the College Process:  Webinar for parents of middle-schoolers to high school  to be held on January 23, 2021  at 3.30 pm  Register https://iswonline.org/event-4087648.  We have more than 36 people signed up.

(6) IAGB Republic DAY MAGAZINE articles due January 10, 2021, there is still time

We encourage students and others to submit an article especially for the youth section, see below  Plus it would be neat if you identify yourself as an ISW school Student

Category 1:Youth Column: We want to hear from the Next Gen. What are your thoughts? What is your passion? What drives you? What bores you? Pen your thoughts on a topic of your choosing and restrict it to approximately 500 words.

There are other categories, see details at https://iagb.org/republic-day-magazine/

(7) ISW Harvest Festival February 13, 2021, 

Calling out for participation

Cultural programs and Dance contests.

Choreographers and dancers!!

https://www.facebook.com/126463640776148/posts/3626937197395424/?d=n

Thank You all for your support

Ruchi Chauhan  and Shiamin Melville

here is the link for Bhajan assembly at 11 am with Sarita, kids and parents please join

https://zoom.us/j/96137939007?pwd=R1ZkVDBtRVJPQmFPV0FDMkJucFordz09

Meeting ID: 961 3793 9007

Passcode: iswclass1

(A) Ganesha Shloka

Aaroha – S r S m , P G ,m D S'

Awaroha - r' N D P m G , P r S .

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah: - 4

Vakratunda Mahakaaya

Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva

Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah: - 4

Vakratunda Mahakaaya

Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva

Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah: - 4

Shloka – Vakratunda Mahakay Raga – Bhatiyaar

This Shloka tells us about the peculiarity of Shri Ganesha , the Lord with the curved trunk and mighty body who has the luster of the millions sun means SuryaKoti – I pray to thee Oh Lord to remove the obstacles from all the actions I intend to perform

(B) Sharda Stavan

S'n Sr S S'n Sr S Sn Sr gr S -- --

Pm Pd P Pm Pd P Pm gr gr S -- --

Sarva Dnyane , Sadaa nande, sarva rupe , namo namha - 2

Om Sharde Sharde Devi Sharde - 2

Veena Vadini Devi, Buddhee Var De - 2

Vidya Dayini tu, Saraswati Maata -2

Vageeshwari tu, Rang Devata -2

Adnyan Door kar ,dnyan var de - 2

Dnyan var De, dnyan var de

Sharde Sharde Devi Sharde - 2

Shubhra Vastrankita , Prasanna mukhi maata - 2

Seva me apke sangeet sur chhedita - 2

In nanhe balak ko aashirvach de - 2

Aashirvach de , aashirvach de

Sharde Sharde Devi Sharde – 2

Namaste Parents,

Welcome back and Wish you all a very Happy New Year.  We hope you all enjoyed the religion sessions with Niraj & Poornim on December 20, 2020

Please check the schedule below:

January 2/3

 10:00am – 11:30am –Telugu ( Saturday)

  09:30am - 10:30am – Hindi class - Session 1(Sunday) 

11:00am - 11:30 am –   Bhajan practice with Sarita  -  ZOOM Link-

https://zoom.us/j/96137939007?pwd=R1ZkVDBtRVJPQmFPV0FDMkJucFordz09

11:30 pm – Marathi, Tamil and Gujarati class -Session 2 -(Sunday)

(1)  Donate towards the ISW Expansion Fund: ISW India center's expansion program is well underway.  If you are eligible for a company match, do start the  process soon since it does take 3-4 weeks to complete the paperwork.  More information at https://iswonline.org/Donate

(2) ISW school will hold a virtual Giving Tree .  We are collecting Mittens and Hats for the ISW Crisis Committee until January 31, 2021, you can contact school@iswonline.org. 

(3) ISW Tutoring Match Program

Looking for Homework Help? The ISW Tutoring Match Program is getting ready for the 5th round of matching. If you have a student who is interested in being a volunteer teacher or if you are looking for homework help for your child, please email tutoring@iswonline.org. .Mansi Gera, Krishnaa Amin, Shubh Agrawal, Ruchi Chauhan & Shiamin Melville

(4) Navigating the College Process:  Webinar for parents of middle-schoolers to high school  to be held on January 23, 2021  at 3.30 pm  Register https://iswonline.org/event-4087648.  We have more than 20 people signed up.

Thank You all for your support

Ruchi Chauhan  and Shiamin Melville

    508-439-7607           508-353-4316

Namaste Parents,

We hope all enjoyed the Winter Snowman Craft last week..Please check the schedule for this week-:

December 12/13

 10:00am – 11:30am –Telugu ( Saturday)

  09:30am - 10:30am – Hindi class - Session 1(Sunday) 

  11:00am – 11.30 am – X'Mas Story presented by Michael family 

Christmas Story presented by Michael Family, former Tamil School students: Brianna Michael, freshman at  Assumption College, Arianna Michael ,  Junior at Shrewsbury High School and Ryan Michael, freshman at Shrewsbury High School

11:30am – 12:30 pm – Marathi, Tamil and Gujarati class -Session 2 -(Sunday)

(1)  Donate towards the ISW Expansion Fund: ISW India center's expansion program is well underway.  If you are eligible for a company match, do start the  process soon since it does take 3-4 weeks to complete the paperwork.  More information at https://iswonline.org/Donate

(2a) ISW school will hold a virtual Giving Tree and  we will be collecting Mittens and Hats for Crisis Committee until January 31, 2020, you can contact school@iswonline.org.

(2b) We are supporting Toys for Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services,  one can drop off the toys  at the Shrewsbury Library until December 18, 2020 during their open hours.

(3) ISW Celebrates Christmas https://iswonline.org/event-4042513 Please register for Gifts from Santa here   by December 17th

Date : Saturday,  December 19th

Morning  ( 9AM  to 11 AM )  :    Drive-in for  Non-Contact Gifts for Children at India Center Drive way 

Evening   ( 6 PM to 7.30 PM )  :   Zoom Celebration in Indian Style  

        ** Christmas Carols in Indian languages 

        ** Christmas Story 

        ** Show Case new India Center 

        **  Wrap up of 2020 ISW Activities and Greetings from ISW Executive,  Board  & former Executive Members 

        ** Recognition of ISW Crisis Committee & the Work in Local Indian Community in Covid Times 

       **   Virtual Visit of Santa ;  Children Chat with Live Santa on Zoom from Homes 

(4) ISW Tutoring Match Program

Looking for Homework Help? The ISW Tutoring Match Program is getting ready for the 4th round of matching. If you have a student who is interested in being a volunteer teacher or if you are looking for homework help for your child, please email tutoring@iswonline.org. .Mansi Gera, Krishnaa Amin, Shubh Agrawal, Ruchi Chauhan & Shiamin Melville

(5) Navigating the College Process:  Webinar for parents of middle-schoolers to high school  to be held on January 23, 2021  at 3.30 pm  Details at iswonline.org

Thank You all for your support

Ruchi Chauhan  and Shiamin Melville

    508-439-7607           508-353-4316

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving from Ruchi & Shiamin

Next class is on December 5/6. 

The ISW School assembly next week is a great opportunity for our kids to learn a craft and make a homemade gift for family & friends. Sending the list of supplies early to give the parents time to pull the supplies together

Winter Snowman by Rekha Ratan December 6 , 2020 at 11 am ISW Assembly

1 Tube socks white preferably above ankle

2 Firm Cardboard 3 inches square

3 Rice filling I cup

3 Quilt filling or soft rags

4 Rubber bands

5 Ribbon

6 Tacky glue

7 Orange construction paper for nose.

8 Sticks to make hands.

9 Sharpie markers

10 Scissors

Looking for Homework Help?

ISW Tutoring Match Program getting ready for  4^th round of matching

----Mansi Gera, Krishnaa Amin, Shubh Agrawal, Ruchi Chauhan & Shiamin Melville

ISW Cultural and Language School launched the new online Students & Tutor match program in August 2020, to help parents with arranging one on one online tutoring for the kids with help from IYG members.  The topics are Math, Physics, Science, English, Spanish Language and Life skills like Time Management.  The tutors accumulate volunteer hours and our hassled parents get the support they need from ISW. 

In the last month we have matched 32 tutors with pupils and have received incredibly positive feedback.  Our tutors have given us 160 hour of volunteer hours.

If you have a student who is interested in  being a volunteer teacher or if you have a child and are looking for help with your child’s online homework, please send an email to tutoring@iswonline.org.

Feedback from Parents/Kids:

"So often in life things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great good things." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

As we write our thoughts on how valuable and timely the student volunteers and the tutoring program has been, we are reminded of the quote from Ruth Ginsburg. When we enrolled our twin daughters Aadhya & Naavya who are in 1^st grade for the language class, it was our first-time being part of the ISW community. We happened to see the tutoring by the high school students and decided to give it a try especially since our kids were planning to do remote schooling. Having 1-on-1 interaction with a teacher is so limited in the online program, we thought that the tutoring would augment this more since the tutors come with their experience of being in the school system here and help us navigate the curriculum more easily.

It is commendable how ISW came up with this program and encouraged high school students to participate and share their time with the community. We are truly amazed by the knowledge, effort and dedication of the assigned tutors, Lara Mukundan and Aditya Jhalavat. Each week, both Lara and Aditya would come prepared with lesson plans and help Aadhya and Naavya learn new concepts. They even challenge them to come out of their comfort zone and try concepts that are not yet taught in the school. We are so Thankful for the time they spend each week with the kids. It is not easy to keep 6 year olds engaged in a virtual session after a long day of school but our kids look forward to the classes. Lara and Aditya come up with creative ways using games and interactive ideas all the time and quickly change it to ensure they constantly keep the kids interested. We are so appreciative of you and ISW to have provided us with this opportunity. Also, grateful to Lara and Aditya for having contributed towards the growth and learning of both Aadhya and Naavya. Kudos to their parents to have supported them as well.

Reema & Avinash

Ria: This is for Rihddi, my Spanish teacher. She is truly the best. I love sitting in meetings with her and she was really helpful with teaching me Spanish. I'm very grateful I had her as my Spanish teacher. Sometimes even if we were playing hangman in Spanish she made it awesome if anybody else was teaching i will still be learning how to say 1 in Spanish.

Arush: "My tutoring teacher is awesome. When class starts, we always do something fun like Kahoots. Most of the time we do fun Kahoots like grammar and other topics related to Language arts. My tutoring teacher decides what topic I should do if I am doing an essay and when I am done or when I am still working on it, she edits my writing to make it more flexible, smooth, and making sense. Every class I tell my tutoring teacher what in Language arts I am struggling with, say I am struggling with grammar, with all of the time we have, I feel I am strong with grammar."

Dhruv: "I really like the way she teaches me. Before we start the class, she always asks what I would like to learn for the day, meaning she is very flexible with what she is teaching and I am glad that I am learning so much from her. I am definitely improving in my subjects!  She not only teaches me with explaining, she gives me examples in real life of what we are learning, making it easier for me to understand the topic".  

Smrithi has been coaching Dhruv and its going well. Dhruv looks forward to meeting Smrithi.Thank you for reaching out!

This program has been great during this strange school year. For my kids I had requested assistance with math. Both Maya and Arvind have been really good with communicating their availability, planning the sessions and conducting the sessions. Thank you for making this happen!

I thought the tutor program is a great idea. The content varies from class to class instead of having some continuity. Yash seems to be enjoying the classes

Happy Diwali from all the teachers.

We are looking forward to ISW Diwali online pooja and celebrations.   

Do join us on ISW Facebook Live https://fb.me/e/1N47VZtD0

on November 21, 2020 Saturday at 4 7 pm  

There will be two dance items by 

Young Stars Choreographer Leisha Gupta

Aarush Mali, Aditi Menon,Ananya Menon,Anika Garge, Shaarav Gupta, Leshi Garge, Pranet Singh,Rayansh Pilli,Shagun Sunny,Srihan Yediapalli, Vedant Vyas, Sanvika Sai Karamalaputi

The Festive Dancers Choreographer Tanushree Nekanti 

Atharv Mishra,,Diya Narendra,Ria Seth,,Rudra Vyas, Satvik Yediapalli, Sohan Hegde, Sonakshi Pillai

Next Day we will be hosting Shrewsbury's Got Talent Contest in collaboration with Spirit of Shrewsbury

November 22, 2020 Sunday at 2 - 3 pm 

---Ruchi Chauhan and Shiamin Melville

Preeti Khilani -Jeet & Arnav's Mom   

Chocolate Barfi

This is a simplified, kid friendly, microwave version of barfi.

Ingredients :

2 cups whole milk powder (available at any grocery store in the aisle with the Hershey syrup/hot cocoa)

1 can condensed milk 14 oz

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

1/2 tsp fine Elachi/cardamom powder

1 tsp rose water

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (8-10 oz bag)

2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Silver leaf/nuts/rose petals for the top

Supply list :

One big 6 cup, one small 2 cup and one 1 cup - all microwave safe bowls. 2 spatulas, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, a square or rectangle dish to set the Mithai in. A microwave and heat safe gloves or pot holders.

Steps for white barfi layer :

1. Prepare a tray.  I used a square 8x8 pan. Line it with a parchment paper. Grease the paper so it is easy to remove the Mithai form it. Make sure there is a little overhang of the paper, it makes it easier to lift out the Mithai.

2. In a large microwave safe bowl, place butter and microwave until melted (about a minute). 

3. Add condensed milk and milk powder and whisk well. Microwave on high for one minute and then mix very well again.

4. Back in the microwave for 1 more minute, remove and mix it well again.

5. Microwave for 30 seconds this time, remove & mix, back in for 30 more seconds. Remove & mix

6. Add the Elachi powder and rose water. Mix well and put it in the prepared tray and spread evenly. Put this in the refrigerator for 1 hr.

Steps for chocolate layer :

1. Take the chocolate chips in microwave safe bowl and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove & stir.

2. Microwave for 30 seconds and mix well again.

3. Back in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, depending on microwave power. Remove and stir. At this point the chocolate chips should have completely melted.

4. In another bowl take the heavy cream and heat it for 10 seconds in the microwave.

5. Mix this well with the melted chocolate. If the chocolate starts to seize, put it back in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

6. Spread this evenly on the barfi layer.

7. Decorate with your choice of nuts/chocolate chips/rose petals/silver leaf.

8. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

9. Remove for refrigerate, lift it out and cut into desired shape shape with a knife. Enjoy !

Microwave steps :

Butter - 1 min

Milk powder & condensed milk, mix - 1 min

Mix - 1 mix

Mix - 30 seconds

Mix - 30 seconds

Separate bowl, Chocolate chips - 30 seconds

Mix - 30 seconds

Mix - 20-30 seconds

Separate bowl, cream - 10 seconds

Combine the 2 , mix - 15 seconds

Tips - refrigerating the layers makes spreading the next one easier to spread.

Have fun with the toppings - get creative.

Use a hot knife to get clean cuts on the barfi - I run my knife in very hot water, wipe it dry and cut, do this for every other cut.

Preeti Khilani -Jeet & Arnav's Mom   For more info or how to order homemade mithai text  Preeti at 508-631-5239

Namaste Parents,

Thanks to Alka ji for the Yoga classes. A lot of families joined in.

Please check the schedule below for this weekend:

Oct 31 - Nov 1 (Daylight savings time ends – set clocks back one hour on Sat 2AM)-

(Saturday)10:00am – 11:30am – Telugu

(Sunday) 09:30am - 10:30am – Hindi class (Session 1)

11:00am - 11:30 am – Diwali Assembly Link- https://meetingsamer2.webex.com/meetingsamer2/j.php?MTID=md38c122632e529e987e3ca51ce084a3e

1)This Sunday, for assembly we will be making Diwali sweet ( kids version) and listening to a Diwali story. Please note down the ingredients needed for Chocolate Barfi-

Ingredients -

2 cups whole milk powder (available at any grocery store in the aisle with the Hershey syrup/hot cocoa)

1 can condensed milk 14 oz

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1/2 tsp fine Elaichi powder

1 tsp rose water

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (8-10 oz bag)

2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Silver leaf/nuts/rose petals for the top.

Supply list -

One big 6 cup, one small 2 cup and one 1 cup - all microwave safe bowls.

2 spatulas,

measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper,

a square or rectangle dish to set the Mithai in.

A microwave and heat safe gloves or pot holders and a knife( to cut barfi)

2) Also, This Sunday Kids are welcome to wear and show their Halloween costume during their class and assembly. It will be fun.

3) If anyone is interested in joining a group Diwali dance, please send an email to school@iswonline.org with your name, age and gender. The event is to be held virtually on November 21st (Sunday).

4)A message from Cultural Diwali team-(Virtual on Nov 21st)

In addition to cultural programs, this year we thought it would be nice to include a Diya painting contest. Can we ask you to spread awareness about this Diya painting contest during the weekend Language/Cultural School?

Here's what the competition is about -

This will be a Diwali Diya contest. Draw a diya, paint a diya, decorate a clay diya, make a clay diya from scratch - let your imagination run wild. Participants of all ages welcome.

Send us a short video (Max 1 min) explaining your art work and creation.

Please send us your videos LATEST by Mon, Nov 16.

Registration link -

Registration Form - ISW Diya Painting Contest 2020

11:30am – 12:30 pm – Marathi Tamil and Gujarati class (Session )

Ruchi Chauhan and Shiamin Melville

(508)439-7607 (508)353-4316

This is the webex link

https://meetingsamer2.webex.com/meetingsamer2/j.php?MTID=mfcdcca08f7450106d4cc81f3a6686fd0

When Sun every Sunday for Yoga & Assembly  & religion

15 mins before to login, actual class at 11.00 am to 11.30 am

10:45am – 11:45am (EDT) Meeting time set up