Two Terrific Days of Conferences
by Dennis Harter, MS Principal
dennish@isb.ac.th
Over the past two days, the Middle School has been proud to host our first semester Parent-Teacher (and student) Conferences. The focus at this time of year is on engaging in conversations with parents about where students are in their learning progress and what we are seeing in their learning habits at this time of year.
We were particularly pleased to host this on campus and we are appreciative to the parents and students who respected our safety requirements, wearing masks and maintaining distancing. Our set up and waiting areas supported this and we especially want to thank our amazing Buildings and Ground team who time and time again prepare our facilities with precision and professionalism.
We tried a new format and I was genuinely worried about staying on time and providing parents with the chance to see all teachers within a 2-hour block. For the most part this happened, so well done parents and teachers alike!
We hope that the time was productive for parents and we appreciate that some of you stopped me to share positive feedback about how well it had gone. Our partnership with home is so important for the students’ learning and days like these further enhance this positive connection and shared goals for student success.
MAP Assessment Results – Available October 9th
At the end of the school day on October 9th, MS parents and students will be able to access the reports from the NWEA Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) tests in Math and Reading.
Please click here to learn how to access these reports in PowerSchool.
Parent Workshop – Supporting Your Child during the time of COVID
On Thursday, October 15 from 8:00AM-9:00AM the ISB counseling team will offer a presentation for all ISB parents in the Chevron Theater. Our time together will focus on ways you can support your child’s social-emotional wellbeing in the time of COVID. In order to ensure that we have enough space to comply with the current physical distancing guidelines please sign up here if you plan to attend.
MS Principal’s Forum Call for Questions
MS Principal’s Forum is an opportunity for parents to have questions answered by administration. Please submit questions or concerns to the PTA reps, who will determine which questions will be addressed on the day with administration.
Depending on regulations in November, the time of day for this meeting may be adjusted. Information will be sent out closer to the date, if that is the case.
BISAC U15 Tennis singles tournament, October 3rd
By Chris Mott, Athletic Director
On Saturday 3rd October, our U15 Tennis players will compete in the BISAC Singles tournaments. Girls travel to HIS, Boys A and B travel to BPS. The Boys C draw will be hosted at ISB on courts 1-7.
Bangkok International Choir Festival – October 2-3, 2020
ISB will host its annual Bangkok International Choir Festival October 2-3, welcoming nearly 300 singers from international schools around Bangkok. Tune into the live streamed Gala Concert featuring the MS and HS Honor Choirs at 2 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2020 (link provided below) as due to COVID-19 protocols the concert is only open to participants.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/
BKK Model United Nations XXVIII – October 11, 2020
ISB will host the 28th annual Bangkok Model United Nations Conference on Sunday, October 11, welcoming nearly 200 delegates and advisors from international schools around Bangkok. Tune into the live streamed opening and closing ceremonies (links to be provided next week) as due to COVID-19 protocols the event is only open to participants.
Registration for Panther Activities (session 2) and October Break Camps Opens October 5
Registration on CHQ for Panther Activities (session 2), as well as October Break camps will open on October 5. Questions? Contact PantherActivities@isb.ac.th
Panther Activities Camps – October Break:
Inktober is coming soon
Join the challenge!
Stay tuned for details.
Repeat Announcement: Thinking about Boarding School?
by MS Counselors
Of course for all of our students, we hope that they stay at ISB for middle and high school and benefit from our wonderful school, academic program, and extracurricular activities. We understand that same family situations may require you to explore boarding school options for your child.
If you are planning to apply for admission to boarding school for the 2020-21 school year, please make an appointment to meet with your child’s counselor as early as possible – and definitely before November 1.
For us to best support your child’s application process, it is very important that parents meet with their child’s counselor, in person. We can also help families unpack the implications of boarding school in comparison to options of staying at ISB.
October is typically when students who are planning on applying to boarding school register for the SSAT, ISEE, or other necessary testing (e.g., TOEFL). This is also the time when applicants begin gathering teacher references.
Part of the process of the counselor meeting will be to coordinate reference writing. Parents should not write directly to teachers for references, but rather coordinate those references requests through their child’s counselor. This will enable us to ensure that references and other documentation is submitted to the receiving institution.
Please note, in order to allow teachers time to provide a thorough, quality reference for your child, we ask that you allow a 4 week turn around time from the time the reference request is received until the reference is completed. Students who are applying to schools with January application deadlines must submit their reference requests by November 10, through the counselor.
Thank you for working in partnership with your child’s counselor to ensure a smooth transition to boarding school.
Repeat Announcement: U13-U15 Basketball Friendship tournament, October 3rd
By Chris Mott, Athletic Director
On Saturday October 3rd, we are hosting a friendship tournament for our U13 & U15 Boys and Girls Basketball teams. Families of participating athletes are invited to support our teams.
Repeat Announcement: Panther Run #3, October 3rd
By Chris Mott, Athletic Director
Please join us and register for the next Panther Fun Run Series. This charity race will benefit Operation Smile. You only need to register once HERE!