Andrew Weiser
andreww@isb.ac.th
Grade 9
This week Freshmen were shared some general strategies in regards to preparing for the final exams. We also had a freshman seminar session that discussed ways that students can enhance personal wellness during times that might be stressful. Below are some links that can be helpful to students and adults. With some there is a play element that might seem quite elementary, but can actually be healthy to all.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QNDPF4hWenKWa4-whosRxN6uLQ9okMkqzyKBqudrkXg/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bw5TT-M36pJMWTETi8mRHQ6PTynAPPEt2TlpFEpuhUA/edit?usp=sharing
In the next couple of weeks the school will be looking at semester courses and any adjustments we have to make.
You might want to be aware of the following:
- If you are planning to move to a different school in Grade 10 you might want to consider asking that school you might move to (If you know it) what their science requirements are. In the past we have had some students take Chemistry 2 instead of Biology 1 or Physics 1 second semester. This is because sometimes students need a full year of Chemistry to transfer. This is often the case when transferring to the U.S.A
- The master schedule is tight and there is not a lot of flexibility for movement to accommodate changed electives.
- From time to time to balance courses etc we sometimes have to switch core courses. If this happens we always make the best effort to keep you with your current teacher for that course.
- Think about your Freshman Seminar / Free Period this semester – how has that helped you balance your time and commitments. Over half students elect for the free period. If you find that you have a full schedule and you would like me to take an elective out for a free period – please let me know ASAP.
- If you chose Biology and now want Physics – or visa versa – let me know ASAP.
Grade 10
Now is the time that students should be beginning to review the materials that teachers have given them or communicated to them that will be on the final. By starting now, they can do a little bit each day, rather than try to “cram” in the last days leading up to the exams. (It’s also very helpful this year that 10th graders only have semester exams in math, English, and science.) Cramming doesn’t help so much anyway. See this link to a study from UCLA:
https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/cramming-for-a-test-don-t-do-it-237733
So it’s just like common sense suggests: you can retain more by taking smaller chunks at a time, than by trying to stuff it in all at once and hope that you can regurgitate it before you forget!
If any 10th graders want to change electives for the second semester, they should see their counselor as soon as possible. Most elective classes are full, so there is limited movement possible, so hopefully students are happy with their second semester schedule!
Grade 11
Counselors met last week with 11th graders in their 2nd Junior Seminar to visualize and identify what an ideal college that best fits their needs and wants looks like. Juniors learned how to properly research universities and the resources available to help them get started.
Student Homework – Students need to research two universities and write a self -recommendation. Guidelines were handed out and reviewed in the seminar and can also be accessed on Haiku.
Parent Homework – You also have an assignment called “Parent Perspectives.” This is your chance to share very helpful information about your student with the counselor as begin to move forward with the college process. You can complete this on the paper given to your students, or on a Word document (students can download from Haiku), or through your own parent Naviance account.
The student and parent assignments are due by Monday, January 16… but of course earlier is always better!
Mark your calendars! Junior College Night is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30pm in the MPB. Both 11th grade students and parents are encouraged to attend when we officially kick off the college search and application process.
Last month, 11th graders took the PSAT. CollegeBoard has designed a new system for PSAT score delivery to students this year. According to CollegeBoard, results should arrive electronically to students around December 12. To understand more about what the reports mean, access the following video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCSIilL3WQ
Grade 12
Please remind your student to schedule an appointment with their counselor to submit their applications sooner, rather than later. All applications to universities with December and January deadlines need to be submitted by Thursday, December 15. We suggest that students applying to Canada submit their applications prior to the December break as well. In addition, students need to have their standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS) sent to universities before the application deadline.
If your student has applied Early Decision and/or Early Action, they will soon receive a decision. The following link contains a great article about keeping the university admission process in perspective.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/patrick-oconnor/what-your-college-applica_b_6309996.html