Jennifer Melton
jenniferm@isb.ac.th
Grade 9-11 Parents
- Are you leaving ISB or Bangkok? Leaving one place and arriving at another can be an overwhelming experience for both parents and students. Come hear from ISB Counselors on the aspects of transition, how to manage the various stages of transition, and how to help support your student. Wednesday, April 26 at 8:30 in MPB1.
- HS Internship Program – The High School runs an internship program for our grade 9-11 students at the end of the 2016-17 school year. The program will run fromJune 12-22 and includes workshops (prior to the actual internship) on resume-writing, interviewing skills, and other information related to success on the job. We work with businesses that are happy to sponsor one or more ISB students in an appropriate, stimulating internship where they have a chance to learn about the workings of a business/career while gaining valuable experience in what it takes to be successful in a job. The cost of the internship is 18,300 baht. If you think that your son or daughter would benefit from such an experience, have them contact Mr. Callahan at kevinc@isb.ac.th and he will help them with further steps in securing an internship.
Grade 9 – There is still a lot of learning to take place in the last run of the school year.Finding a focused approach in the remaining weeks will be a good target and challenge for our students. I have seen a great amount of growth in the class of 2020 and hope for a strong finish to the school year.
For many, they will be looking to improve a “grade” in a class. Students are encouraged to keep looking at how they may improve upon or maintain healthy habits and attitudes (HAL) in the weeks ahead. Focus on engagement, initiative, and preparation.
Grade 10 – We’re now getting to the final push of the year, and organization is a key to success for students in managing their busy days. One piece of the academic puzzle that many students and parents tend to overlook is the HAL grade, a student’s habits and attitudes toward learning. Most parents and students look straight at the percentage grades that they are earning, without considering how work is being approached to earn those grades. Have you talked to your son or daughter about their HAL grades? (They are on a 1-7 basis, with 7 being the highest possible.) A great question for students to ask their teachers is, “What should I be doing to improve my HAL grade?”. It’s no surprise that high HAL grades and good letter grades tend to go together!
Grade 11 – Songkran was a great time to relax as we prepare for the final few weeks of 11th grade. We hope students had a chance to rest, reconnect with family and friends and spend time having some fun! The next few weeks will be full with IA work, EE meetings, Group 4 work, and preparation for exams. Balance and organization are important skills for students to learn so they have a healthy outlook on school and their overall identify. As always, help ensure your student gets a solid night of sleep and has a regular opportunity for down time and some brain breaks.
There was great turnout this week to 2 workshops HS Counselors held for students. Applying to the UK was held this past Monday and US Essay Writing was held on Thursday. If your student is considering the US, we highly recommend a great podcast that can provide a broad and nuanced understanding of higher education in the US. Access the podcast HERE.
Standardized Testing – We recommend any student who will apply to an English language instruction university take the TOEFL or IELTS prior to August. Also the deadline for the June 10 ACT is approaching (May 5) and June 3 SAT Subject Test (May 9). More information on these tests can be found HERE.
Grade 12 – Seniors met this past week with Ms. Canobie to review IB exam expectations. Students received their check out sheets which are due Friday, May 19. Completion of this check out is also how students indicate to the HS Counseling office where they want their final transcript sent in midJune. Students should have already completed a Google survey indicating where they want their IB results sent.
Grade 12 Parent Transition Meeting Thursday, April 27, 2017 – You are encouraged to meet with ISB HS counselors who will help you (and your students) transition to life after high school. Students have spent each advisory since January in a variety of sessions that will help them prepare for life after ISB.
Upcoming College and University Visits to ISB and greater Bangkok area (please click on this link):