Ryan Haynes
ryanh@isb.ac.th
Grades 9: Grade 9 students will be encountering some of their remaining formative and summative assessments for the school year. With final exams and summer break not too far away, many students will shift focus to 5 weeks down the road. Now is the time to finish strong and draw upon academic stamina in addressing their studies. In speaking with 9th graders, you can see the growth that has taken place from the beginning of the school year with many developing good self-management and coping strategies.
I would also again encourage 9th graders to introduce themselves to their new counselor for next year. This will be the counselor they will have for grades 10 -12. All of the students have been informed awhile back of whom their new counselor is. Also, if parents have questions in regards to next year, it would be a good idea to contact the counselor for next year while copying Mr. Davy (current 9th grade counselor).
Grade 10: We’re on the “home stretch” of the school year and the counselors hope that your sons and daughters are well organized in terms of long and short-term obligations. The students who get stressed the most at the end of the semester are usually those who have difficulty in planning their time and setting aside time for the longer-term projects. If your son or daughter is having trouble juggling all of his/her responsibilities, advise them to see their counselor for a little assistance. We’re here to help!
Grade 11:Junior Seminar #4 took place on Thursday, May 7. The topic of the seminar was, “What’s Next?” Regarding what are the next steps that Juniors need to take in the university application process. For those students who were unable to attend Junior Seminar #4, a make-up session will be presented, Thursday, May 14 during Flex in Room 203.
A reminder, the registration deadline for the June 6 SAT is May 8.
Grade 12: 12 – If you missed the Senior Parent Transition Workshop, a copy of the presentation was emailed to parents last week and it can be accessed here.
Don’t forget, your Seniors will have a Senior Transition Day program on Monday, May 25 from 7:20-2:00 where they will turn in their laptops, get final information about transcripts necessary for universities, and start focusing on the transition through a number of different workshops.
Last week, 10th grade parents were able to hear from Clay Hensley at the CollegeBoard this week regarding the redesigned SAT beginning in May 2016 (PSAT in October 2015). For more information on the story behind this change, read this NY Times Magazine article. An important message was clear. The best preparation for the SAT is the work students are already doing at ISB through thinking critically and problem solving. Gone are the days of rote memorization of things like vocabulary words. A copy of this presentation information will be sent soon to parents.
University Visits
Monday, May 11: St. George’s (Medical School), University of London
Thai University Visits
Counselors have visited three Thai universities over the last two weeks including Thammasat University- Rangsit Campus, Mahidol University International College, and Rangsit University. In addition to degree programs in Thai, these universities also offer a variety of international programs taught in English. Many programs also have agreements and exchange programs with universities around the world. A great option right here in Thailand!
Thank you,
The High School Counseling Office