Welcome!
Greetings, and welcome to the 2023-24 school year! Thank you for choosing ISB and trusting all of us with your child’s education and wellbeing. You and your child are about to embark on another memorable year at ISB!
The start of a school year is a new beginning for everyone: starting a new grade, meeting new teachers and friends, and for many, a new school and a new country. We are sensitive to the many challenges involved in adjusting to these changes, and we will work in partnership with you to help make this transition a healthy, happy and successful one. Together, we will work to ensure that the Elementary School is a place where every child feels safe, and experiences the joy of learning and growing.
On behalf of all of the entire ISB Elementary School faculty and staff, we welcome you and look forward to a wonderful school year together.
Sincerely,
Michael Allen, Elementary Principal
Honey Tondre, Elementary Vice Principal
Farah Thaxton, Elementary Vice Principal
More About the 2023-24 ES Principals:
HONEY TONDRE, ES Vice Principal: Early Childhood Specialist
- Joined ISB as ES Vice Principal: Early Childhood Specialist in August 2022
- Prior to ISB was the Head of Early Years (ages 3-7) at The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 2016-2022.
- Educational Consultant and Academic Trainer for AIM Middle East located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 2018-2022.
- Head of Faculty / Special Education Coach of a KG School (Ages 3-6) at Abu Dhabi Education Council, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from XXXX.
- Early Years Teacher and PreK Program Coordinator at schools in the USA from 2005-2013.
- Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education; Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University; MA Science of Reading from University of Texas Austin.
- Joining the ISB community with her husband, Abel.
FARAH THAXTON, ES Vice Principal
- Joined ISB as ES Vice Principal in August 2022
- Prior to ISB was Principal of schools in Washington state, including West Woodland Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School, and Madrona K-8 from 2009-2022
- Art Leadership Coach, Seattle Schools 2013-2022
- Principal Mentor, Seattle Schools 2017-2022
- President of Principal Association of Seattle School, Elementary Component 2018-2021
- Administrator/Title I Coordinator, Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School, Philadelphia PA (2007- 2009)
- Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Victory Schools EMO, Philadelphia School District (2006-2007)
- Principal Certification (University of Delaware) Certified in Washington state, Delaware, Pennsylvania)
- MA. Ed, Education Leadership-Principal Certification, University of Delaware, Newark DE
- Bachelor of Arts, Sociology/Elementary Education, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle WA
- Daughter a MS student at ISB.
MICHAEL ALLEN, ES Principal
- Joined ISB as ES Principal in July 2020.
- Prior to ISB was ES Principal at Shanghai American School in China (2013-20), International School Nido de Aguilas in Chile (2005-13), International School San Roberto in Mexico (2002-2005).
- ES Teacher in Mexico (2000-02), Canada (1997-2000), and Korea (1996-97).
- Principal Certification (Principals Training Center, USA).
- Ed.D, Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University, USA.
- MA. Ed, International Education, Framingham State University, USA.
- Bachelor of Arts Degrees, Psychology & Elementary Education, University of Regina, Canada.
- Son and daughter are HS students at ISB, and wife (Caty) is Director of Teaching and Learning at MYIS Bangkok.
ES 2023-24 Faculty & Staff
The 2023-24 ES Faculty and Staff look forward to welcoming your family to the new school year! Take a peek at the new and returning members of the ISB Elementary School Team here!
PreK-Grade 1 Start Dates
On Friday, August 4 all PreK-Grade 1 families will receive an email invitation to meet with your child’s classroom teacher starting on Wednesday, August 9. Sign up for the time that is most convenient for you.
Tuesday, Aug 8 – New Family Orientation & Grade 2-5 Meet the Teacher @ 2PM
Wednesday, Aug 9 – Grade 1 Meet the Teacher by Appointment
Wednesday/Thursday Aug 9/10 – PK & KG Meet the Teacher by Appointment
Thursday, Aug 10 – Grade 1 First Day of School
Friday, Aug 11 – PK2 & KG First Day of School
Tuesday/Wednesday Aug 15/16 – PK1 Partnership in Learning Days
Thursday, Aug 17 – PK1 Regular Schedule Begins
Grades 2-5 Start Dates
Class Placement for the 2023-2024 school year will be shared on Tuesday, August 8; watch for an email from your teacher to be emailed at 8AM. Grades 2-5 students are invited to a “meet the teacher” session @ 2PM on Tuesday, August 8 in the classroom.
Tuesday, Aug 8 – Email to Families from Homeroom Teacher @ 8AM & Grade 2-5 Meet the Teacher @ 2PM
Wednesday, Aug 9 – Grades 2-12 First Day of School
2023-24 Calendar
As you plan ahead for the 2023-24 school year, please refer to the ISB 2023-24 Calendar available for download here.
Parent/Student Handbook
As a school, we will strive to keep you informed on a regular basis through our weekly eNews. Please ensure that you also review the ES Parent/Student Information Handbook before the start of school. It contains important information on learning, school activities, programs, and school policies.
New ES Family Orientation
We are thrilled to welcome all our new families to ISB, and look forward to supporting your family during your transition! In addition to the individual meetings you have had with an ES Counselor as well as support from the ISB Admissions team, we are offering the New ES Parent Orientation on August 8@ 11:30AM in the ES Cafeteria where you’ll meet the ES Principals, counselors, and get a brief update regarding setting your child up for success at school. See other New Family information via the ISB website:
https://www.isb.ac.th/admissions/new-family-portal-sem1/
Elementary Music Ensembles: Free, Open to Grades 3-5
Do you love to sing, move, or play instruments? Think about signing up for one of our free ES music ensembles: Panther Choir, Panther Orff Ensemble, or Panther String Ensemble. Click HERE for more information!
NEW PANTHER DANCE SEASON!!!
Welcome back to another exciting season of PANTHER DANCE with a performance on stage with costume in May! Registration opens August 7th at 6pm. Relive the magic of our last performances, “We’re Back, Again!” ES Video, MS/HS Video
Interested? Contact Yoona : pantherdance@isb.ac.th