MS PTA Meeting Topic – Human Development Unit Information
by Dennis Harter
dennish@isb.ac.th
This Thursday, March 22nd 9:00 AM, at our scheduled MS PTA meeting, we will share information about our upcoming Human Development units being covered in PE and Wellness classes in the final weeks of the year.
The goal of Health and Wellbeing program is to develop individual values, attitudes, empathy, and competencies that will empower the student to commit to their own and others’ health and wellbeing throughout their lifetime.
We aim to provide knowledge and understanding about human growth and development including a review of the physical changes during adolescent years within a context of understanding how the changes that they experience will affect their emotional and relationship needs.
The key aims of Health and Wellbeing are to:
- Assess personal health practices
- Investigate accurate resources and strategies to manage changes and transitions associated with adolescence
- Plan and practice strategies to promote health, safety and well-being
- Practice skills to establish and manage relationships
- Examine the influence of emotional responses on behavior and relationships
- Understand the uniqueness of each individual’s sexual development
- Encourage tolerance and understanding of difference
ISB aligns its principles and agreements with the United Nations Rights of the Child and International Human Rights laws. It is through this lens that we approach gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as the safety of the child.
All teaching materials are used in accordance with internationally used Health and Wellbeing Curriculum developed for this age group. The content is presented objectively in a balanced and sensitive manner with the aim to keep students safe and healthy.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact a middle school counselor or administrator.
What do you need to know about our MS Native Language Program?
by Cindy Plantecoste, MS Dean of Academics
On Thursday, March 22, Dennis Harter, MS Principal, and Cindy Plantecoste, MS Dean of Academics, will host a parent session about our MS Native Language Program. The session will meet in MPB 3, from 10-11AM, immediately following our MS PTA session.
During the session, we will share information about our native language program, language pathways between MS and HS, and information that is important for you to know if your child is planning on participating in the IB Diploma Program. We will also provide to address any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Spring MAP testing dates
by Cindy Plantecoste, MS Dean of Academics
Between April 2 and April 27, MS students will take the NWEA Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) test in Math and Reading, during their Math and English classes. Students in Grades 7 and 8 will take their tests during the two weeks prior to spring vacation, while Grade 6 students will take their tests between Tuesday and Friday of the week following the break.
The MAP test is a computer-based test in either Reading or Math, that assesses students on each question, adjusting subsequent questions to determine appropriate challenge and provide a snapshot of what the student can do at that time of year.
Students will be given a full class period to complete each MAP test. For students who aren’t able to finish their test in the allocated time, we will provide for an after-school session for students to complete their test.
While the test is not timed, the NWEA offered that 60 minutes should be enough time for most students. Between the class time and the afterschool extended time, students will have close to 110 minutes to complete the test. (Last year, we implemented this time frame. The results from that session indicate that there was no impact on student performance to limit the time to the two sessions, as there was still plenty of time.)
Native Language Survey for Parents—Open Through March 31
By Avery Udagawa
As part of ISB’s Strategic Learning Plan (ISB 2025), a group of faculty are considering the role of native languages on our campus. We would deeply appreciate your opinion. Please watch for a Native Language Parent Survey by email (one will be sent per family) and take a few minutes to complete it. It will be open for responses until March 31, 2018. We hope to hear from parents throughout our community, regardless of which languages you speak. Many thanks!
Jazz Night – March 29th, 6:30 pm in the MPB
By Anthony Giles
Come join us for our annual Jazz Night Concert featuring the HS Jazz Band! They’ll be playing songs in different jazz styles from swing and blues, to Latin and funk, and feature several of our students as jazz soloists. We’ll also be featuring 2 HS jazz vocalists with the band. In addition, our elementary music teacher, Ms. Angela Wong, jazz flutist, will be joining with the jazz band on a Latin number and also perform in a small combo with Mr. Marshall and Mr. Myers. Free admission and Refreshments will be served as you are entertained, so we look forward to seeing you in the MPB at 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 29th.
Repeat Announcement: ISB Summer School 2018 – Registration Now Open!
Our ISB Summer School Office is now open and accepting registrations for Summer School 2018 at ISB! You can go to the ISB website, or click here, to access all information about dates, programs, and fees, and to submit a registration form online.
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 Monday to Fridays, 7:00 – 11:00am.
For any questions, please email sumdir@isb.ac.th