Reminder that course comments are in PowerSchool
by Dennis Harter
dennish@isb.ac.th
Several weeks ago, following Songkran, we communicated in the eNews that learning feedback comments for your child had been entered into PowerSchool by each of their teachers.
Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that many parents have not read these comments, likely not having read the eNews from that week. These comments provided students and parents with feedback on progress along with what a student should work on in the remaining weeks. Please read these comments, if you haven’t already.
We purposely provide the comments in April so that the learning feedback can be formative and acted upon. Therefore, there are not comments on the final report card, other than from the advisor, when it would be too late to do anything about.
To view the comments, log into PowerSchool and click on the name of the course you wish to view. The comment for the course is located above the assignments.
In the future, we will post the comment publication date on the paper calendar, in addition to communicating though the eNews.
(Due to the importance of sharing these comments, a message detailing this information was also sent directly to you this one time.)
Summer Reading Suggestions
As the holidays approach, parents often wonder what their middle school child should be doing during the break. How can we maintain the learning of the year during the two months? Students need the time away from school too. Rest and play time and social interaction are important for our energy levels as well as our development. This is true for the adults as well. Of course, that doesn’t mean kids should spend the summer (or winter down under) glued to screens or video games.
One of the most important things students can do is read. This is even more true during school holidays when the absence of school means there isn’t any other reading taking place in their day. It doesn’t really matter what students read, as long as they are engaged in the reading. They should be choosing books that interest them.
To that end, the ISB librarians have put together a list of titles that might appeal to MS students. These are not required books, in fact just the opposite, they are suggestions. If your child has other books they want to read … great!
If, on the other hand, your child could use some suggestions, check out the titles linked below. Students who are returning to ISB can check out books from our library, assuming all checked-out books have been returned.
As parents, we can model engaged reading as well, so come visit the library and grab some titles for yourself!
Laptop Collection Days 2017
Dear MS parents,
As we approach the end of year, we want to start getting ready for Laptop Collection Day which will take place during Advisory period, Grade 6 on June 5 and Grades 7 & 8 on June 6.
A few considerations:
- Students will be receiving the “End Of Year 2016-2017 MS Student Laptop Collection Form” (Short URL – http://bit.ly/2017laptopform) in hard copy on May 25 containing important recommendations before turning in the school laptop.
- Students leaving before laptop collection days should contact Mr. Zambrano at least two days before their last school dayto pick up the laptop collection form, receive information about laptop return procedures and later turn in the school computer and form back to him. At any time, students leaving ISB can either see me or ask EdTech for help to copy any school online information they wish to keep. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/2017laptoptips
Please, offer your support at home to ensure that students make copies of their laptop files. They all have to do this. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me atmiguelz@isb.ac.th or EdTech’s Help Desk at help@isb.ac.th.
Regards,
Mr. Zambrano
MS Technology Coordinator
Middle School Orchestra Concert
Fasten your seat belts and hold on….IT’S ORCHESTRA TIME! The MS Panther Orchestras are performing for the last time this year! Each orchestra will show the audience their best “stuff” and then they will all combine at the end for a dramatic finish. Come and watch! Audience members are allowed to toss giant bundles of flowers on stage at the conclusion of the performance…or just cheer…we like cheering, too.
6:30pm on Wednesday, May 31 in the CCT.
Poster designed by 7th grade violist Min Kim!
Middle School Choirs Concert
The Middle School Choirs with special guest musicians, artists and actors present an evening of music on the theme of Cultivating Peace. Join us as we explore struggles, hopes, self-realization, taking action, celebrating our world, coming together and creating peace in our world. Admission is free and doors open at 18:15 for a 18:30 start time. We hope to see you there!
Second Chance Bangkok
Second Chance Bangkok is having a sale on May 25. From 9:30 to 1:30 the sale will be open in the MPB1. Second Chance Bangkok is a fair trade organization in the Klong Toey Slum that uses donated clothing to create upcycled goods. Come and find that perfect summer gift, while supporting our Thai community.