Dragon News - 12.16.22
Principal's Message
On my daily commute I often listen to podcasts, and one of my favorites is Hidden Brain which explores psychology, society, relationships, and human behavior. The most recent episode discussed the importance of rituals in our lives. Individuals who engage in regular rituals tend to have two major benefits. The first is that they have lower anxiety and stress. Regular practice of any sort (prayer, meditation, exercise, daily behavioral habits, participation in cohesive group activities) all decrease an individual's cortisol levels. The second benefit is that individuals who regularly practice rituals of any sort feel more strongly connected to larger groups and communities. This feeling of community connection confers longer lifespans and greater reported happiness. This is true whether it is being a member of a cheering section at a soccer game, participating in a musical group, or (my favorite from the podcast) being a member of a community that does fire walking on special holidays. Don’t worry, we won’t do this as an ISB activity.
The reason I mention all this is because the next two weeks are often a time full of ritual and community for families and individuals. I wish for you and your children a time of low anxiety and stress, a time of deep connection with each other, happiness, and a peaceful new year.
Andrew Gilford
Principal
Upcoming Events
- December 19 - January 2 - Winter Break, no school
- January 10 - HS Band Concert; 6:30 - 8:00 pm
- January 12 - MS Choir Concert; 6:30 - 8:00 pm
- January 13 - Staff Development/Work Day, no students
- January 14 - Junior MUN; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- January 16 - MLK Jr. Holiday, no school
Junior MUN Saturday Event
Junior Model United Nations for Middle School Students
Saturday, January 14, 9:00 - 12:00 at ISB
Participate in a model United Nations simulation
Represent different countries around the world
Make proposals to the UN General Assembly
Debate issues of global importance
Experience what it is like to be part of the high school MUN club
Put on by high school MUN students
Interested? Here’s what you need to do:
Fill out the form handed out in advisory or the one attached to this message.
Have your parents sign it.
Submit it to the bookkeeper in the main office along with the $20 fee.
Money collected goes to the MUN club to help pay for their spring conference.
Only open to the first 100 students interested.
Students who want to participate but can’t pay should see their counselor.
Finals/Opportunity Week
The week of January 30 - February 3 is the final week for first semester. There will be exams and also opportunities for making up missed work this week. January 31, February 1, and February 2 are all half days with all students being released early. Friday, February 3 is a teacher work day with no students. A more specific schedule will be sent out in early January.
Culture Week Presenters Needed!
Do you practice a special craft particular to your heritage or one you have picked up along the way? If so, we would love to learn about it! Culture Week is the perfect time to share your favorite hobbies and pastimes. Whether it is origami, henna, knitting, calligraphy, or something else, please consider sharing your craft with us by leading a workshop on February 8th and/or 9th, 2023.
To be placed on the schedule, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rory Williamson at rory_williamson@beaverton.k12.or.us.
Thank you so much for your support!
Dragons in the Spotlight
Congratulations to Arthur Yang and Anya Li for their performance during this year’s CyberPatriot competition where more than 3,400 teams competed from across the world. CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air & Space Forces Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Both Arthur and Anya belong to the TitanTurtles Cyber Security Club. Arthur’s Team 1 TitanTurtles achieved Oregon Ranking #1 and Global Ranking #13 in round 2 competition, while Anya’s Team 3 TitanTortoises achieved Oregon Ranking #4 and Global Ranking #116.
Congratulations also to Caleb Bello who has been selected as one of only two students to represent Oregon as a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) to be held in person this year, March 4 – 11, 2023. Caleb will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship. The USSYP was founded in 1962 and each year two of the highest-achieving students from each state are selected through an extremely competitive merit-based selection process held at the state departments of education nationwide. For more information and the program brochure please visit www.ussenateyouth.org.
Art Work from Two Classes
Next time you come to the office, check the front glass display cases to see the art pieces created in Sculpture Class (9th and 10th grade Advanced Art). Their work was inspired by Louise Nevelson's works and how she used a medium associated with her father's profession. They relied on donated objects, cardboard from the cafeteria, and watered down Elmer's glue to pull these off: Nevelson Sculpture
Art 1 (8th-10th grade Intro to Art) completed their developmental workbook covers inspired by an art movement of their choice. You can see them here: Art Movement DW Covers
Service as Action at ISB
Part of our mission statement at ISB includes the phrase “service to our local and world communities”. We want our students to be involved in their communities in a positive and meaningful way.
In the past, students have recorded their Service as Action hours in CIS and done a reflection on a Google form. A set number of hours was required each grade. Our program is going through some changes, with the goal to make service more authentic and meaningful.
Grades 6, 7, 9 - Reflections three to four times a year in Advisory through a Canvas assignment
8th - Reflections through Canvas, the Community Project, and a presentation to younger grades on the Community Project (in the spring)
10th - Reflections through Canvas, Service Reflection turned in in the spring, presentation given to 9th graders reflecting on Service as Action
There is no longer a minimum required numbers of hours, but your goal should be:
to perform service activities on a regular basis;
to try and build on your service, doing something more involved each time–if possible;
connect with an organization you can work with on a continuing basis, rather than a “one and done” activity;
ideally, do a little research to see what needs a specific community has before deciding on your service experience; it is important to find out what they need rather than what we think they need.
Winter Break Service Opportunities
Winter break offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy quality time with family and plan for an exciting new year. It is also the perfect time to think of others who may need some extra help or a little boost during the winter season. Whether you are traveling the globe or hunkered down at home, you can still serve others in a variety of ways. Check out this list of at-home volunteer opportunities that you can get started on any time.
Is something missing from this list? If you have suggestions for at-home service work not listed here, please let us know by emailing Rory Williamson, ISB’s Community Service Coordinator. These opportunities will grow and change over time so please remember to keep checking back!
Culture Corner
Night of the Radishes/Noche de Rábanos (Mexico) - December 23rd
This unique festival takes place in Oaxaca, Mexico each year since it was declared as an official celebration in 1897 by the city’s mayor. Originally, the radish carving began as a way for vendors to entice shoppers to the town markets, but it quickly became an event popular among amateurs and artists alike. Certain radishes are grown especially large for the purpose of being carved into ornate designs such as nativity scenes and Mayan imagery. Visitors line up for miles to view the beautiful creations each December 23rd and a grand prize is awarded to the best radish carving.
Source: BBC Travel.
To learn more about this event, please visit: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20141217-mexicos-whimsical-night-of-the-radishes
Cap & Gown for Seniors
Seniors, have you ordered your cap & gown for graduation? If you have placed your order, thank you!
If not, you can still order online by clicking here!
ISB HS Class Ring Options Click Here!
For additional information contact Jostens at:
11914 NE Sumner
Portland, OR 97220
(503) 255-7120
CONTACT AND FOLLOW US
International School of Beaverton
IB World School - MYP & DP
Andrew Gilford - Principal
Email: isb_communications@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: https://isb.beaverton.k12.or.us/
Location: 17770 SW Blanton St, Beaverton, OR, United States
Phone: (503) 356-3690
Facebook: facebook.com/isbdragons
Twitter: @isb_dragons
The Beaverton School District prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any basis protected by law, including but not limited to, an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, familial status, economic status, veteran status, or because of a perceived or actual association with any other persons within these protected classes.