Jackie Valenzuela
jackiev@isb.ac.th
For all parents – New Parent Library! Transitions, raising boys, stress, general parenting, and the college process…come check out the new selection of books that are available for check out from the HS Counseling Office. We hope this new parent library will be a helpful resource for all high school parents. The check out period is 2 weeks.
Grade 12 – It was great to meet with your student/s earlier this week for our first Senior Seminar! Much of what we discussed with them we also discussed with you at Senior Parent night last night. We hope you found the evening helpful. The following links include the PowerPoint presentation (if you were unable to attend or want to look it over again), a copy of the Timeline, and the College Visit Calendar:
This Monday, August 29, students who are applying to the UK are required to attend a UCAS Registration session during Panther Block (10:20am).
On Tuesday, August 30, students who are applying to the US are required to attend a Common App. session immediately after school from 1:20-3:00pm in the MPB. It is an early dismissal day.
We greatly appreciate your support to ensure your Senior participates in the wealth of opportunities provided to assist them through their university process. It takes a village!
Grade 11 – It’s been a great first couple of weeks. We’ve seen 11th graders taking on more responsibility both in formal leadership roles, but also in being welcoming to new students. Juniors have also been positive and resilient in adjusting to the changes in the daily schedule and club fair.
We hope that as the year progresses and Juniors begin to juggle school and activities, you can continue to help them find balance. While students are growing more in their ability to organize and manage their lives, it’s important to remember that they still need your parental love, support, wisdom, and care.
One calendar adjustment to make note of: The Junior Parent Night has been renamed to G11 College Night. This is noted on the electronic/Google calendars. Also, this evening session will include both parents and students. The date is still the same: January 18.
Finally, the PSAT will be offered to all ISB 11th grade students during the school day on Wednesday, October 19. This is a preliminary and practice test. There is no additional preparation needed for this practice assessment. In the coming weeks, counselors will meet with students to explain more. Please note that any 11th grade student who does not need this test should meet with their counselor to discuss opting out.
Helpful Links:
Grade 10 – It’s been a busy two weeks for all of the high school students and the 10th graders seem quite settled in their classes. Be sure and talk to your son or daughter and make sure that: a) they have a good idea of the expectations of their teachers; b) they have a plan to be organized in managing their time and keeping their assignments organized; and c) they know how to “chill” and refresh their batteries after a long school day and week. Encourage your son or daughter to come by the counseling area and say hi to us! We’ll be checking in with them soon as well.
Grade 9 – Week 2 has passed for Grade 9 and hopefully you’ll find your student establishing some routines. One very simple routine I advise students is to complete homework on the night it is assigned. This way if they need to visit the teacher for further assistance or edit/polish their work they can the next day.
Students also continued to be introduced to clubs and activities this week and we had a visit from Mrs. Hansberry (Activities Coordinator) in Freshman Seminar. She explained different types of service opportunities at ISB, service hour requirements for graduation (10 per year), and how to record/document service performed by the student.
It was great to see 15 individuals put themselves forward as student council members. 4 members will be elected by the class. I feel the class will be very well represented. All in all we are off to a really good start with the class of 2020.
Next Week’s University Visits
Monday, August 29 – Keio University
Tuesday, August 30 – University of Chicago, Cornell University, and Rice University
Wednesday, August 31 – Nagoya University and UCLA
Thursday, September 1 – Baylor University, Davidson College, Macalester College, Middlebury College, University of Bristol (UK)
Friday, September 2 – Chapman University, Rollins College, St. Edward’s University (Texas)
Evening (Downtown) – Friday September 2 (6:30pm) at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel Ballroom, 4th floor:
Claremont McKenna College
Harvey Mudd College
Pitzer College
Pomona College
Scripps College