Parent-Teacher Conferences
by Dennis Harter
Thank you to all of the parents who attended our Parent-Teacher Conferences these past two days. Circulating around the room and speaking with both teachers and parents, I heard about many positive interactions and conversations about student learning.
The first two sessions on Thursday were very busy, but the crowds were thinner and the environment more calm late Thursday and throughout Friday.
Our partnership for your child’s learning progress is so important, so we thank you for your time and commitment to that continued effort.
Grade 8 transition to High School Parent Information Awareness concerning online viral challenge
by Dennis Harter
dennish@isb.ac.th
This past Tuesday morning, the High School counselors hosted a parent information session on students’ transition to high school from grade 8. Parents heard about the academic program and learned about the registration process.
For those that could not make it – or for those who wish to go over some of the points again – we videoed the presentation and have provided it below. Please feel free to contact either Ms. Coady, the grade 8 counselor, or any of the HS counselors if you have questions. The counselors will also make themselves available in the cafeteria during MS lunch times, for students to ask questions.
Awareness concerning online viral challenge
by Dennis Harter and Sally Plomley
Every now and then “challenges” are shared online that go viral. Sometimes these are for positive causes, but occasionally, they involve risky behavior that adolescents might latch onto. It has come to our attention that some ISB students have been trying the “Salt and Ice Challenge”.
This is a social media challenge where people video themselves to see how long they can tolerate the pain of putting salt and ice on their skin. They then upload the video. The challenge was first circulated on the internet about 5 years ago and it has recently resurfaced.
The combination of salt and ice causes cold thermal burns that can lead to second to third degree burns due to the anaesthetic effect of the ice and potential nerve damage from the burn. This could lead to permanent scarring and the need for medical interventions to heal the burn. Typically participants apply the ice to their hands and forearms, but can apply it anywhere on their bodies.
If any students present to the Health Clinic with suspicious wounds, the nurses will contact their counsellor to discuss this with the student and their parents.
We ask all parents to discuss the potential dangers of participating in the Salt and Ice Challenge as well as any other “challenge” they may see on the internet.
Here are some links about the Salt and Ice Challenge, for more information:
- https://qpolitical.com/dangerous-new-social-media-challenge-every-parent-needs-aware/
- https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/02/02/doctors-warn-parents-about-dangerous-salt-and-ice-challenge/21705975/
- https://www.simplemost.com/salt-ice-challenge-send-child-er/
A Community Learning Opportunity
By Bronwyn WEALE, bronwynw
Supporting Your Teen’s Literacy Development
Thursday, 16th March, 2017 MPB 1 7:30 – 8:30 am
Presenter: Kelly Gallagher
Since 1985, Kelly Gallagher has devoted himself to the teaching of reading, writing, listening and speaking—first and foremost, as a high school ELA teacher in Anaheim, California, and also as an author/consultant who works with educators around the world. Today, he is considered one of the leading voices in literacy education and is the author of six books and multiple videos on this topic.
Join us for an opportunity to listen to Kelly as he discusses the literacy needs of adolescent learners in MPB 1 on Thursday, 16th March, 7:30 – 8:30 am.
Repeat Announcement: Course Registration for 2017-18ISB Summer School 2017- Registration Now Open!
By Cindy Plantecoste, MS Dean of Academics
cindyp@isb.ac.th
Our class registration process for 2017-18 school year is getting started for students who are currently in grades 6 and 7. Here is the link to our Program of Studies for 2017-18. As a first step, we would ask that you read over the program of studies with your child to see what s/he is excited about learning next year, and to identify electives that your child might want to request.
On Tuesday of this week, after ISA testing finished, Ms. Kinsella, our grade 7 counselor, met with current grade 7 students to go over the choice options they will have for their courses next year. Early next week, Ms. Kean, our grade 6 counselor, will visit one of your child’s House classes to explain the registration process, emphasize where your child has choice in his/her schedule, and to answer any questions that students may have. Our counselors will go over the registration requirements with them and review the timeline for online registration. Online registration will open on March 7th (afternoon), and close at the end of the school day on March 17th. Students will also be required to submit their paper registration forms (to be distributed next week – also included in the last three pages of our Program of Studies) to their advisory prior to March 17th.
Your child will need to choose his/her performing arts, visual arts, and design technology classes, and will also be asked if s/he would like to continue with the current world language, or to begin a new one. Next year, native language classes have been included in our regular course offerings, so this will be an additional option to discuss and consider. Students who receive learning support or EAL support would generally take these classes in place of a world language class. All of our Thai students must study Thai language.
When you are ready, please register through PowerSchool (if you can’t login to this, please contact Khun Arisa ext: 4407). Along the left side, click on ‘Class Registration.’ Registration will be open between March 7th – March 17, and is NOT first come first serve. Be sure to take the time to consider options with your child, so that s/he is confident about their selections, as we build our schedule around student requests. The registration worksheets for grade 7 and grade 8 are at the end of the Program of Studies. These will assist you in your planning.
Should you have any questions about this process, you are welcome to contact Ms. Kean, Ms. Kinsella, or any of us in the MS Office. We are happy to help to make this process a smooth one for your child.
We hope your child is getting excited about their next year in Middle School!
** Registration information for 5th to 6th grade will be sent directly to grade 5 parents.
**Registration information for 8th to 9th grade has recently been included in MS eNews by the HS.
Repeat Announcement: ISB Summer School 2017- Registration Now Open!
By Maurilio BARON-TOALDO, maurilib
Dear MS Parents,
Our ISB Summer School Office is now open and accepting registrations for Summer School 2017 at ISB! You can go to the ISB website, or click here, to access all information about dates, programs, and fees.
Our Summer School Office is located through the door on the right side of the ISB Bookstore where Khun Fon will be there to greet and assist you!
For any questions, please email sumdir17@isb.ac.th
Best Regards,
Mr. Maurilio Baron-Toaldo
Summer School Director
International School Bangkok