Kevin Davy
kevind@isb.ac.th
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.
Grade 9
It was great to see another event where students took some risk in putting themselves forward to represent in the student counsel for next year. Well done to all those that took that risk and congratulations to those elected. Throughout the year I have been able to see students take action through joining clubs, trying out for a team or performance, taking challenging courses, trying new approaches to learning and many more. The outcome can sometimes be successful and sometimes not – its OK to fail as we learn, the growth comes in the process. In the community we live hopefully our students feel in a safe place where they will be supported by those around them acting as safety net while taking these risks.
Temperatures and humidity are extremely high, as you know. It is so important to keep encouraging hydration for both health and learning purposes. Keep Hydrated:)
Grade 10
Many parents wonder about the best times for their sons and daughters to take standardized tests that are used for university application/selection. Some start as early as 9th grade, and some parents become anxious when they aren’t doing the same as their children’s peers. Some thoughts to consider:
Taking the PSAT in 11th grade, and their first SAT in January of 11th grade, keeps students right on track for maximizing their scores. Take the second in May-June and third, if necessary, in fall of senior year. Students very rarely increase their scores after the third try. Developmentally, it is much better to prep for a test designed for 11th and 12th graders when the student is closer to that age, and the curriculum of ISB in math and English will certainly be adding to their skills and ultimate scores. Plus, and maybe most importantly, there’s no need to add further to students’ stress and anxiety about the future by making them study outside of school for a test two or three years down the line. Please consider this plan when thinking of your student’s future… and present.
Grade 11
Junior Seminar #4 will be on Thursday, May 12 during Flex. The focus will be on senior year expectations and suggested summer activities.
Please encourage your daughter/son to meet with university representatives.
If you have not scheduled a Junior Conference with your daughter/son’s counselor, you are strongly encouraged to do so.
Grade 12
IB Exams are now underway. Remind your seniors to get plenty of rest, set a study plan, and confer with teachers for any necessary exam support. This can be a time of many mixed feelings for students and parents. Counselors are still available to support students in any way.
Senior Transition Day will take place on Monday, May 23 from 7:20-2:00pm. Seniors received a survey to select which of many sessions on various transition topics they’d like to attend. This is due next Friday, May 13.
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 have deposited to US universities by now and a reminder that only ONE deposit should be made.
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
May 9 at 10:20am in Room 203
George Mason University – Korea