ISK Through The Years

Celebrating ISK @ 45!

The unique and colorful history of ISK extends back to 1967 when Nancy Ellen Crooks founded the US Community School in a house near the Nairobi Hospital. Well known for her passion for education, Mrs. Crooks became the first principal and was dedicated to meeting the educational needs of expatriate and Kenyan children in Nairobi.;xNLx; ;xNLx;In 1970, the United States International University (USIU) bought the school and moved it to our current location, a coffee plantation at the end of Peponi Road. Grades were expanded from 4th grade to 12th grade and even college courses were offered. The move also came with a name change - the American Community School was renamed Nairobi International School.;xNLx; ;xNLx; The genesis of the International School of Kenya dates back to June of 1975 when the school community proposed to purchase the Nairobi International School (NIS) from United States International University ( USIU). A committee was formed under the auspices of the United States Embassy and Canadian High Commission to investigate this possibility and the International School of Kenya (ISK) was officially established on May 3, 1976. ISK took over NIS facilities on July 1,1976, and classes commenced for the first time as the International School of Kenya in August of 1976.;xNLx; ;xNLx;ISK is not merely a story of buildings and inanimate objects. It is a story of people, a story of thousands of students who have passed through ISK’s corridors, left their mark, and gone on to achieve their goals around the world. It is a story of dedicated teachers, administrators, parents and board members who have given their time and energy to make ISK what it is today.;xNLx;

1976-06-01 00:00:00

Director: Mr. Everett McGlothlin

In his first year as ISK Director, Mr. Everett McGlothlin was quoted as saying: " Overall the 1976/77 school year was successful. It was gratifying to see members of the student body, faculty, community and Board of Directors taking an active interest in the affairs of the school."

1976-07-01 00:00:00

New name, New Era: NIS becomes ISK

The International School of Kenya came into existence on July 1, 1976 as successor to the Nairobi International School whose facilities it purchased. The school was originally established in 1966 as the US Community School and from 1969 until 1976 operated as the Nairobi International School under the auspices of the US international University of San Diego which maintained a Nairobi campus.

1976-08-01 00:00:00

Enrollment: 485 Students

Enrollment: 485 Students

1976-09-01 00:00:00

Havelock...here since the beginning

Havelock has been at ISK since 1969. He has seen the name change from The American Community School, to Nairobi International School, and to The International School of Kenya.

1976-10-01 00:00:00

First IC Trip

Students on the first ISK Inter-Cultural trips travel to Maasai Land, Mt. Kenya, Mombasa and Tsavo

1976-10-01 00:00:00

ISK's rivalry with RVA

ISK's rivalry with RVA dates back to the early 70's during NIS days! The Mighty Lions fought for the honor of being called the Mighty Lions of Nairobi! The rivalry continues tip today

1977-01-01 00:00:00

Lions 'Roar- ISK's first newspaper

Lions's Roar started off as a journalism class project and developed into the school's newspaper. The Lions' Roar was the first school newspaper to be seen at ISK.

1977-01-01 00:00:00

A look at ISK's first sports uniform

High Schoolers showing off the variety of sports available at ISK: boxing, baseball, basketball,tennis, soccer and hockey.

1977-05-03 00:00:00

Festo...everyone's favorite bus driver

Students in the 70/80s enjoyed being driven by their favourite bus driver, Mr. Festo. He was known for being kind and sharing jokes with students on the bus rides home.

1977-05-03 00:00:00

ISK's First Graduating Class

The International School of Kenya’s first graduation ceremony honors 36 graduates in May 1977

1977-08-01 00:00:00

Enrollment: 497

Enrollment: 497

1977-08-01 00:00:00

ISK’s first library

Construction is completed on ISK’s first library

1977-08-01 00:00:00

Africa: Kenya Bans Game Hunting

Kenya - Which outlawed game hunting in 1977 and has never rescinded the ban.

1977-08-03 00:00:00

Monica Greeley- in the beginning

The 1977-78 Yearbook was dedicated to then English Teacher, Mrs. Monica Greeley. Monica began teaching at NIS in 1973. In 1978 she was quoted as saying," As far as the student body goes, I honestly feel we are privileged to be dealing with these young people who as a group are such marvellous combination of sophistication and naïveté. They are for he most part responsive and motivated toward learning, though there's a healthy sprinkling of early teen- age liveliness which makes life exciting in the junior high classes. I enjoy teaching them or I wouldn't be here for my fifth year."

1978-02-01 00:00:00

"Our Town": ISK's First Official Play

The Community enjoyed a special treat with the production of "Our Town."

1978-02-20 11:30:02

US Government First Official Visit to ISK

US Ambassador Dr. W. Le Melle makes the first official visit to ISK by the US Embassy

1978-05-01 11:30:02

Africa: Rhodesia

Rhodesia's prime minister Ian D. Smith and three black leaders agree on transfer to black majority rule .

1978-05-01 11:30:02

A play in the forest

ISK First Shakespearean Play is Midsummer's Night Dream. In 2016, Monica Greeley recalls the play well and was quoted as saying that it was a "magical play" that was well thought out, using the forest landscape of ISK to enhance the mystical feel of the play. It was a " real community builder".

1978-06-03 00:00:00

Miguel (Michael) Karian, Ed.D. Class of 1978

"The six years I lived in Kenya were the most impacting of my childhood, and NIS/ISK was central to that experience. Above and beyond academics, the ISK community was instrumental in my adolescent personal growth. This is exemplified by ongoing friendships with other ISK alumni and staff forty years on."

1978-06-15 11:30:02

One of Nairobi's best pools is built

Construction of the ISK pool is completed, allowing our students to compete in one of Kenya's favourite sports/pastimes on our home turf.

1978-06-16 20:32:47

Class of 78 graduates @ KICC

Enter story info here

1978-08-01 00:00:00

Enrollment - 482

Enrollment - 482

1978-08-01 00:00:00

Director: Dr. Daniel Wagner

In his first year as Superintendent, Dr. Daniel Wagner was quoted as saying, " Attending an international school, made up of so many young people of so many diverse backgrounds and traditions, is a unique educational experience at ISK will have enabled them to gain greater maturity and understanding about the many problems facing the peoples of the world, and will enable them, in the future to better prepare for leadership roles in the government,or business or the various professions with in the world community.

1978-08-01 00:00:00

ISK Holiday Traditions

The ISK community enjoyed various holiday traditions such as the Halloween Carnival and the Christmas play/fair.

1978-08-01 00:00:00

Girl's Hockey: New Sport at ISK

The Lady Lions had a great year of Hockey playing local schools such as RVA.

1978-08-01 00:00:00

IC Trip Fun

Students enjoyed visiting rural parts of Kenya such as the Masai Mara and the Loita Hills. Today, ISK students continue to look forward to IC trips.

1978-08-01 00:00:00

The Original Farm House in the 70's

The Original Farm House in the 70's was one of the existing structures on the campus when NIS became ISK

1978-08-01 00:00:00

Boy Scouts @ ISK

1978-08-15 11:30:02

Campus Chronicles- School paper

School paper went from the Lions Roar to Campus Chronicles - Students were responsible for gathering news, conducting interviews, typing and spacing copy, introducing new ideas and topics and attempting to involve all grade levels in writing and making news.

1978-09-01 11:30:02

Student Council Established

The ISK Student Council is established to improve communication between students and school administration

1978-09-17 11:30:02

Middle East: “Framework for Peace”

“Framework for Peace” in Middle East signed by Egypt's president Anwar Sadat and Israeli premier Menachem Begin after 13-day conference at Camp David led by President Carter.

1978-10-01 00:00:00

Literary Magazine

First edition of ISK’s literary magazine, Making Contact, is published (Forerunner of Sikia)

1979-04-24 00:00:00

The Importance of Being Ernest

"The Importance of Being Earnest" - a trivial comedy by Oscar Wilde was enjoyed by community members. High schoolers put on a wonderful production.

1979-05-03 11:30:02

Europe: Margaret Thatcher

Conservatives win British election;Margaret Thatcher new prime minister

1979-06-14 11:30:02

USA: Jimmy Carter and the SALT Agreement

Carter and Brezhnev sign SALT II agreement .

1979-08-01 00:00:00

Enrollment - 515

Enrollment - 515

1979-08-15 11:30:02

High School Accredidation

ISK’s high school, under the leadership of Ms. Monica Greeley, achieves its first accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. 17 subcommittees thoroughly analysed every aspect of the secondary school from its philosophy and objectives through the its educational activity programs to its site and the school community. These reports, complete with recommendations for improvements, form a comprehensive self- evaluation document which was submitted to the Middle Schools Association of Secondary Schools.

1979-08-15 11:30:02

IC Trip Fun

High schoolers enjoyed intercultural trips around Kenya; Turkana and the Masai Mara were some of our student's favourite trips.

1979-09-15 11:30:02

Favorite ISK Snacks

Every M/W/F meat pies, cheese pies, sausage rolls, and pineapples we on sale outside of Mr. Janzen's classroom! This was a staple diet for many at ISK. There was also Charles and his Coke that room sold cold drinks, chips,popcorn and notorious peanut brittle

1979-11-15 00:00:00

Pushing the bus

Students recall having to push the school bus when it broke down. It seemed to happen quite a bit but the students didn't seem mind. Not sure how their parents felt!

1979-11-24 00:00:00

"Nairobi Eye"

This year ISK was privileged to have a newspaper professionally staffed and printed which turned out to be a great success. Unlike last year's ditto paper, the "Nairobi Eye" created an impression of class and importance spiced with interesting news. The "Nairobi Eye" soon came to be known as a reliable source of news plus items of interest. Published Fortnightly by the two journalism classes, anticipation throughout the year for the "paper with a sting" never declined.

1980-01-01 00:00:00

Africa: Norfolk Bomb Attack in Kenya

A bomb flattened the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi on New Year's Eve, killing 20 people and injuring 80. An Arab group claimed responsibility, saying it was in retaliation for Kenya allowing Israeli troops to refuel in the capital en route to rescue 100 hostages being held by pro-Palestinian hijackers at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.

1980-01-20 00:00:00

First Student Lounge

Student Council (dubbed Quad) built a student lounge named The Lion's Den. The Den housed the school's first stereo.

1980-05-15 00:00:00

Oklahoma

High Schoolers put on a production of " Oklahoma"

1980-05-15 00:00:00

Lions shine bright

Student excelled on the courts and in swimming.

1980-08-01 00:00:00

Enrollment - 571

Enrollment - 571

1980-09-15 11:30:02

National Honor Society Established

The National Honor Society is established - Simba Chapter.

1980-11-15 11:30:02

Library Week

*ISK’s First Library week- currently known as “Visiting Author Week”

1980-12-08 00:00:00

USA: John Lennon is Shot

John Lennon of the Beatles shot dead in New York City.

1981-01-01 00:00:00

Quad

Student Council (dubbed Quad) built a student lounge- named Lion's Den, student store, school stereo and various community initiatives

ISK Through The Years

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