Andrew Weiser
andreww@isb.ac.th
All
Alumni Fair – On January 10, ISB Counselors will host an Alumni Fair in room 203 at 10:40am. Come talk to former ISB students who are now at university. You can learn more about their specific university, their transition, experience, advice, etc. All high school students and parents are invited. More details to follow upon return from the break in January.
Link to College Visits:
https://sites.google.com/a/isb.ac.th/isb-hs-university-advising/university-visit-calendar
Grade 9
This has been a very busy time for our 9th graders the last couple of weeks. I am hoping that they can use their perseverance to finish strong with their final efforts in study and learning. I have been reminding them of taking healthy breaks, the importance of good nutrition, exercise and sleep during these times.
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
All the semester’s work is almost complete and happily there are fewer semester exams this year for 10th graders. Two things are necessary for success. First, it is imperative to get proper sleep in the days leading up to exams. Whenever a person needs to perform at peak capacity (in sports, acting, music, or other performances), their bodies must be properly rested. The same goes for intellectual activities. The brain needs rest too, and no one performs optimally on a reduced sleep schedule. Secondly, before students get anxious about final tests and their consequences, they would do well to understand that an assessment worth 20% of the grade (maximum allowed on semester exams) generally has much less influence on the grade than they might think it does. For example, do the math on this one: If a student goes into the final with an A- and 92% in the class (80% of the grade), and they get an 84 on their final (20% of the grade), what will their semester grade be? Need any help on this? Ask your son or daughter to assist you! Best of luck to students in their last week of the semester!
Grade 11
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.
Student Homework – Students need to research 2 universities and write a self recommendation. Guidelines were handed out and reviewed in the seminar and can also be accessed on Haiku. Due by Monday, January 16
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. Due by Monday, January 16
In October, 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 via email 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
It’s hard to believe that Seniors have only one semester left of high school. How are you feeling about this big life event for both you and your student? We hope that as the three week holiday approaches, you are able to spend quality time together connecting and relaxing. It’s been a stressful, exciting, and busy few months and it’s important to have some down time to recover.
There is one week left for Seniors with application deadlines now through January to submit their first application (US, Canada, HK, UK) with their counselor. After a Senior has submitted the application, required documents (transcripts, recommendations) will be sent to the university. Please keep in mind that university offices are very busy places managing thousands of applications and application documents. In this high tech world, receiving materials is still not instant. It can take 4-6 weeks for a university to recognize and acknowledge that all application materials have arrived. Please assume best intent on the part of the ISB counseling office that all materials have been sent correctly.