October Break is here
by Dennis Harter
While it seems the year has flown by so far (we must be having fun!), it has been a long run of school approaching this October break. The students have been working hard and deserve this family and rest time. We hope that your families have quality time together during the coming week and your children return on Monday, October 31st, energized and ready for the final 7 weeks of the semester. While we do not assign home learning during these extended breaks, please encourage your children to read for pleasure, as much as they can over the break (speaking as a parent myself, this is a good way to balance the screen time, as well).
Principal’s Forum coming up
by Dennis Harter
On November 8th, 9:00 to 10:30 AM, in MPB3, the MS administration will be hosting our Principal’s Forum for this semester. These forums are an opportunity for us to address parent questions. Our PTA representatives have already been soliciting questions from the parent community. We will look at these questions in the week after the October break and determine the agenda for the meeting based on topics that have widespread interest and/or complex answers to which discussion is warranted. Questions that have more direct answers will be answered in writing and posted in the subsequent eNews to allow us to best use the time at our forum. We will publish the agenda of topics to be covered in the November 4th eNews.
Assessment
By Graeme Scott
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) scores from recent assessments in reading and math are now available on PowerSchool. This letter provides parents with information about MAP. Please remember that this assessment is only one piece of many that we use to show a full picture of student learning.
Middle School Performing Arts Announcement
By Michael Sharp
Due to the passing of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Middle School Performing Arts Department will no longer be staging the Shakespearean Tragedy, ‘Macbeth’ in May.
Careful consideration has gone into this and it was felt that such a dark spirited piece would not reflect well in our community at this time.
Discussion is underway to find a suitable replacement and more information will be coming out after October break as to how we, in the Middle School Performing Arts can honour the King with a production that represents who he was as a leader, visionary and man of the people.
We understand there will be some disappointment from the student body, but please recognize that this decision has been thoroughly thought through and the replacement piece will be equally as rewarding to be a part of.
Tournament of Minds
By Dr. Selena Gallagher
Middle school students Natalie, Addison and Carole have just returned from a successful trip to Australia, where they were representing ISB at the Tournament of Minds Australasian Pacific Final. Despite facing some last-minute challenges, the teams did well and were awarded a ‘Spirit of the Tournament’ award. Read more.
R & J” Dance Production on Fri Nov 4
By Jaleea Price
Prologue section including Middle School Dance Troupe (MSDT) (In memory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great we invite the audience to wear black ribbons, which will be provided at the door.)
October Break, Home Learning, and Assessments
by Cindy Plantecoste, MS Dean of Academics
October break is a time for everyone to take advantage of some rest, relaxation and to spend time with their families. We also know that many families travel to far destinations during our week long holidays. For these reason, our teachers will not be assigning any home learning over the break. In addition, teachers will not plan for any assessment to take place on the Monday or Tuesday following our vacation.
Forward the Cure
By Tico Oms
How many times have you thrown away unused medicine? That medicine could help a person with medical needs but without access to medicines. Please check out this short video of a campaign called “Forward The Cure” and share with your friends and family. It has never been easier to save a life. Simply clean out your medicine cabinets/drawers and drop off the medication at the ISB nurse’s office. Please don’t bring expired medicines. Those should be thrown away.
The medicines will then get packaged, checked and mailed to the hospital of Uhmpang and be on its way to save a life! Our 8th grade student Beam Lertbunnaphongs saw the video, thought the ISB community could help, and is organizing this initiative in conjunction with “Forward The Cure”. If you have any questions about this service project, please feel free to contact our nurse Sally Plomley at sallyp@isb.ac.th or the MS Dean of Students, Tico Oms at ticoo@isb.ac.th.
Middle School Service Opportunities:
By Tico Oms
Students at ISB have many opportunities to make the world a better place. Our school offers a variety of service clubs students can join and make a positive impact. Last Tuesday, the middle school held its Service Assembly, showcasing the various clubs students can join. Linked here is a PowerPoint describing many of the clubs, and when and where they meet. Please encourage your child to participate in one of them. One of ISB’s goals is to Inspire Students To Become Global Caring Citizens. There are few better ways than service to accomplish that goal.
Sharing Athletic Gear
By Tico Oms
Middle School kids infamously outgrow their sports shoes quickly. 8th grader, Piamkhun Sititantikorn (Jedi), has started a campaign to get those outgrown shoes to kids who could use them. He has formed a relationship with the Prasert Islam School to help give their athletes shoes for their sports teams. We are collecting athletic shoes and gear (such as shin guards) to donate to the school’s athletes. Simply bring your used/outgrown sports shoes and equipment to the Middle School Administration Offices. We will collect the gear and give it to the Prasert Islam School’s athletic teams.