Jackie Valenzuela
jackiev@isb.ac.th
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 from June 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 12
Seniors have been on study leave this week and exams begin today. Please remind your senior to get plenty of rest, set a study plan, and confer with teachers for any necessary exam support. This can be a time of mixed feelings for students and parents. Counselors are still available to support students in anyway they may need.
Thank you to those who came to the Grade 12 Parent Transition Meeting yesterday. We hope you found this helpful.
Senior Transition Day will take place on Wednesday, June 7 from 7:30-2:00pm. This is a mandatory day for all seniors that will include a farewell from Mr. Scott, brunch, and graduation rehearsal.
Students were given their Leaver’s Form a few weeks ago and will need to turn them in by Friday, May 19th. School records will not be released if the form is not completed and submitted to their counselor. Laptops are also due by this date.
University Decisions – Seniors need to notify their counselors of admission decisions. If a student decides NOT to attend a university to which they’ve been accepted, they should notify the university of their decision. This can be done through an email or an online portal as directed in the acceptance notification. Students and parents need to read these acceptances very carefully for details. Finally, students should deposit to only ONE institution. ISB will send a final transcript to only ONE university.
Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand Applicants – Students applying to Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand met with counselors a few weeks ago to begin planning for upcoming applications. Students and parents should speak with their counselor and plan accordingly especially if deadlines are beyond graduation.
Grade 11
Students who need to take the TOEFL or IELTS are encouraged to do so over the summer. If
students are planning to take the June 3 SAT (Subject Tests only) or June 10 ACT, the deadline to register is May 9
(SAT Subject Tests) and May 5 (ACT). If your student has questions regarding how to register, please have them see their counselor before the deadline.
Junior Seminar #4 will be on Wednesday, May 3 during Panther Block. The focus will be on summer activities and senior year expectations.
Last week and this week, the counselors offered workshops on variety of topics to grade 11 students: Applying to the UK, How to Write a Personal Statement for UCAS (UK), How to Write a College Essay, How to Research Universities. The counselors appreciated the attendance and interest of those students who attended.
Grade 10
Many parents wonder about the best times for their sons and daughters to take standardized tests which are used for university application/selection. Some start as early as 9th grade, and some parents become anxious when they aren’t doing the same as their children’s peers. Some thoughts to consider:
Taking the PSAT in 11th grade, and their first SAT in March of 11th grade, keeps students right on track for maximizing their scores. Take the second in May-June and third, if necessary, in fall of Senior year.
Data shows that students rarely increase their scores after the second try, and almost never after the third. Developmentally, it is much better to prep for a test designed for 11th and 12th graders when the student is closer to that age, and the curriculum of ISB in math and English will certainly be adding to their skills and ultimate scores. Plus, and maybe most importantly, there is no need to add further to students’ stress and anxiety about the future by making them study outside of school for a test two or three years down the line. Please consider these thoughts when thinking of your student’s future….. and present.
Grade 9
Soon students will have access to their final exam schedule on PowerSchool. The best form of preparation for these exams right now is focusing on what is being taught at present and preparing for the likely summative assessment that will take place between now and finals. Now would also be a time to visit teachers with any questions from prior topics that were difficult to grasp; this shouldn’t take place a few days prior to exams. Please encourage your son or daughter to do so.
As we all know, this is the time of year when temperatures and humidity are extremely high. It is important to keep encouraging hydration for both health and learning purposes. Keep Hydrated:)
University Visits
https://sites.google.com/a/isb.ac.th/isb-hs-university-advising/university-visit-calendar