JEDDAH, 29 May 2003 — Saudia-Saudi Arabian International School (SAIS), which advanced its summer vacation for security reasons, has held its graduation ceremony. High School Principal Ronald Ford presented diplomas to 76 graduates who now qualify for admission to American colleges and universities.
“We did not close the school but advanced our summer vacation by three and a half weeks, effective May 15,” Stephen D. Bennett, superintendent of the school which is part of Saudi Arabian Airlines, told Arab News yesterday. “SAIS, in consultation with its School Board, the American Consulate and Saudia, felt that the proximity to the summer holidays made the decision to have an extended vacation for students and staff a prudent one in view of the bombings in Riyadh. The safety of the staff and students is of paramount importance,” he said.
“The 50-year-old school, the oldest American curriculum institution in the Kingdom and the only US-accredited school in Jeddah, is celebrating its golden jubilee this year. We’re preparing for a new academic year beginning in August,” he said.
Asked about the missed academic work due to the vacation’s advance, Bennett said: “The majority of the required curriculum had been covered and teachers were going into review mode for exams. Students will not be penalized for any missed work, rather the grades up to this date will be assimilated into the final grade.”
He said the staff would report for the new session on Aug. 23 and students on Aug. 30. New students will be tested for enrollment from June 1.
