Jennifer Melton
jenniferm@isb.ac.th
We hope students and families had a good and restful Songkran holiday!
If you will or may be leaving ISB this June, please meet with your student’s counselor. We’re here to support families through this transition.
Internship Program
The High School runs an internship program for our grade 9-11 students at the end of the 2015-16 school year. The program will run from June 13-23 and includes workshops (prior to the actual internship) on resume-writing, interviewing skills, and other information related to success on the job. We work with businesses that are happy to sponsor one or more ISB students in an appropriate, stimulating internship where they have a chance to learn about the workings of a business/career while gaining valuable experience in what it takes to be successful in a job. The cost of the internship is 17,500 baht. If you think that your son or daughter would benefit from such an experience, have them contact Mr. Callahan at kevinc@isb.ac.th and he will help them with further steps in securing an internship.
A few upcoming reminders:
Grade 9
As we enter into the last stretch of the school year, fatigue with some students will kick in. There is still a lot of learning to take place though, and finding a focused approach in the remaining weeks will be a good target and challenge for our students. Mr. Davy will be reminding them of such. He’s have seen a great amount of growth in the class of 2019 and hope for a strong finish to the school year.
For many, they will be looking to improve a “grade” in a class. Students are encouraged to keep looking at how they may improve upon or maintain healthy habits and attitudes (HAL) in the weeks ahead. Focus on engagement, initiative, and preparation.
Grade 10
We’re now getting to the final push of the year, and organization is a key to success for students in managing their busy days. One piece of the academic puzzle that many students and parents tend to overlook is the HAL grade, a student’s habits and attitudes toward learning. Most parents and students look straight at the percentage grades that they are earning, without considering how work is being approached to earn those grades. Have you talked to your son or daughter about their HAL grades? (They are on a 1-7 basis, with 7 being the highest possible.) A great question for students to ask their teachers is, “What should I be doing to improve my HAL grade?”. It’s no surprise that high HAL grades and good letter grades tend to go together!
Grade 11
Students should take the time to meet with university representatives of schools of which they are interested. As part of the continued programming to support students applying to university, students should plan to attend upcoming University Labs:
- US College Essays on Monday, April 25
- How to Research Universities on Wednesday, April 27
Students who may need to TOEFL or IELTS, are encouraged to plan to take this over the summer. The final SAT is on June 4 with a registration deadline of May 7 and the final ACT is on June 11 with a registration deadline of May 6.
Grade 12
It’s hard to believe there are only 3 full days of high school left for our Seniors. Then they’ll have study leave as they prepare for their exams. Remind them to get plenty of rest, set a study plan, and confer with teachers for any necessary exam support. As parents, you are invited next Thursday, April 28 to the Senior Parent Transition meeting at 8:30 am in MPB#1.
University Decisions – Seniors need to notify their counselors of admission decisions. If a student decides NOT to attend a university to which they’ve been accepted, they should notify the university of their decision. This can be done through an email or an online portal as directed in the acceptance notification. Students and parents need to read these acceptances very carefully for details. Finally, students should deposit to only ONE institution. ISB will send a final transcript to only ONE university.
Japan, Korea, and India Applicants– Students applying to Japan, Korea, and India met with counselors a few weeks ago to begin planning for upcoming applications. Students and parents should speak with their counselor and plan accordingly especially if deadlines are beyond graduation.
University Visits – Friday, April 29 @ 10:20am
- Bryn Mawr College
- Connecticut College
- Kenyon College
- Occidental College
- University of Richmond