IHS IB Notes
March 2020
Welcome to Spring
By the way, we're having our earliest start to Spring since 1896. No, the reason for this isn't climate change; with all the changes lately, it's nice to know that many things are well understood and predictable. Unfortunately there's no site I can direct you to which tells us exactly how our current situation will turn out, but it's reassuring to know that so many people are working hard to make the best of it and to help each other. I've been busy with school work every day since we've been out, and I know that's true of most other staff (and hopefully students, too). In all sincerity, I keep being reminded of the importance of the qualities embodied in the IB Learner Profile. Even relatively small things, like students expressing well wishes before they ask their questions, have helped to brighten my day. Please continue being kind and patient with each other, including the strangers who are directly or indirectly impacted by your actions. If this feels like a vacation, remember that's only possible because of so many people scrambling to do their jobs. If you need help, reach out and ask. We can work together to find a way to do something.
General News & Welcome New Scholars!
Fortunately, even though we are working at home for the moment, notifications went out last week to the new Scholars/DP Class of 2024! At least 130 freshmen will be joining us, but we have to wait for permission to gather before we can schedule their welcome event. While we're waiting for that opportunity to meet in person, general information is available through our website and by email.
Since we aren't seeing each other regularly, it's important to keep your contact information up to date and check regularly for messages. Students, keep an eye on your school email accounts. If you never joined the Remind group for one of your classes, now would be the time to do so! Those are the two easiest ways for your teachers to reach you. It's likely that most instruction will happen through Google classroom, so keep an eye out for the announcement of new class codes if your teachers didn't already have them set up.
If you are signed up to do the SAT or ACT, keep an eye out for messages about delays. Both are cancelled through May, but juniors should remember they can take these tests until December for their college applications. One way to use your unexpected time at home is to do some extra test prep. (Refer to the last newsletter for more about study resources.) Many of you are scheduled to take AP Exams, and the College Board says it's going to offer modified online testing. They're also making some additional online study resources available. Again, teachers are just getting this news, too, so keep watching for additional news from them and the College Board.
Help Australian Wildlife (and IHS Seniors, Too!)
This CAS Project was interrupted by the school closure, but the students already received their 50 packs of socks. To see pictures of all the designs, check their site. You can order online and have the socks shipped directly to you, though there is a shipping charge. OR message Isabel first to see if the group has the socks you want on hand. Obviously we have to follow the social distancing guidelines, but if you promise to pay, your packs will be set aside. I'll help the students arrange for pick-ups or delivery to you (for no charge in our area) as soon as we can do so.
News for Seniors (and Juniors in their second year of IB DP Languages)
I'm guessing that the first questions on many seniors' minds are about graduation, senior trip, prom, etc. No official word has come out about any of those, but sadly, I'm not too hopeful about big events right now. As soon as there are decisions, I'm sure they'll be communicated out to you. The next item on your minds may be IB assessment, including IAs. Schools that have closed have been given extensions to complete uploads. That doesn't mean that students automatically get extensions. IAs for most classes already have been collected, and they take a substantial amount of time to grade. Biology students got a brief extension because theirs were supposed to be due at the start of the closure. IB will allow the world language orals to be done online; the teachers and I are working out the details. Theatre students are down to their solo projects and have a plan in place with Mr. Olavarri. That leaves Chemistry... Please follow Mr. Castro's instructions to write up as much of your lab report as you possibly can. That includes setting up tables and calculations, with blanks where necessary. I've let IB know that work was in progress at the time of closure, and I'm awaiting more info.
Likewise, I'm waiting for info about the IB Exams themselves. So far the IBO has said that they would hold the exams on schedule in May as they take so long to prepare, and any good time for one place is likely a bad time for another. However, the worsening worldwide impact of Covid-19 has softened that stance a bit. We're now promised information on exams by the 27th. I'll share as soon as I learn what this news is.
As far as the DP Core, all the TOK and EE work has been uploaded to IB. I know that completing CAS may be challenging, but please let me know if you're seeing obstacles. I've been able to brainstorm an acceptable solution for all the seniors who have contacted me so far.
Despite the cases of senioritis which already were spreading, seniors need to keep themselves engaged in learning. If you haven't heard from your senior DP teachers, I'm sure you will soon--and nothing stops you from reviewing on your own! Remember that those acceptances could be rescinded when your chosen colleges receive your final transcripts. The plans for distance learning will provide opportunities for those in need of raising their grades, but you'll have to put in the work. Think about this as an early start to the different sort of time management that's expected when you're on a college schedule. Keep on top of your email and college portals so you don't miss any deadlines, and expect to be hearing from counselors. Don't forget to spend some time applying for scholarships. (Some resources were listed last month, and here's a list of reputable scholarship sites. The deadline for the NSF scholarship is soon.)
Keeping safe
Take some time to call your grandparents or any other relatives/friends whom you haven't chatted with in a while. Some people are feeling really lonely right now. Reach out for help if you need it.
News for other classes
This is a time to be extra glad that all of our IB DP classes are taught over two years. Yes, this closure is a setback, but there's time to make up for it. Please follow along with the lessons your teachers provide and commit a reasonable amount of time to studying. As far as I know, your SAT results will come back on schedule: March 26 for multiple choice scores and March 30-April 1 for essay scores. You'll need to be able to sign in to your College Board account. Look over your results, decide if you will test again (and/or take the ACT), and prep as necessary.
For those doing EEs, keep researching!! This week I will plan with your supervisors for their preferred method of accomplishing the next meeting, and then I'll let you know what to do. For those doing CAS, keep up with what you can, add some reflections, perhaps plan some new steps such as exercise plans to stay in shape while away from your teams, and remember there is a lot of time before CAS needs to be completed.
SOPHOMORES & FRESHMEN
Please keep up with your work and consider forming some online study and support groups. Follow good practice in actually helping each other learn the material in productive ways. Think about trying a new form of exercise or a new art medium. Are there ways that you could safely bring some joy to your neighbors? Sidewalk chalk isn't just for little kids...
A few people have worried about completing their 20 hours of community service. For the sophomores, we're deciding if we'll either just accept what you've done to date or extend the deadline over summer. For freshmen, there's plenty of time left.
Some of the sophomore parents/guardians were planning to meet with counselors as part of determining your schedules for next year. Obviously those appointments had to be cancelled, but we have the names and will either reschedule or complete the appointments by phone.
Freshmen, we know you were about to have your individual meetings with counselors. They are discussing how best to get these done while we're out of school.
More help for wildlife
Due to Covid-19, social distancing has been highly recommended which makes it a great time to clean out your makeup stash and see what could be recycled such as the wands from expired and/or dried up mascara.
My partner and I are collecting used mascara wands to donate to wildlife refuges. Since normally the wands would be thrown away to accumulate in landfills, we thought it would be a great idea to collect them and have them used for something else. We would clean and disinfect them to send to wildlife refuges.
Wildlife organizations use sterile mascara wands to help nurture the tiny creatures they care for. You might not have considered it, but those little bristly brushes that work so well on eyelashes also have an incredible impact on the fur of vulnerable, little wild animals.
Please email Bany if you can donate used mascara wands.
Summer Activities
Sac State Summer Academies for High School Students Not too far away, not too long, and they have a lot of different subjects. Some of our students have enjoyed these.
Academic Talent Search at Sac State Many of our students have done classes here. The summer after your freshman year is your last eligible period.
LYNX at University of Colorado in Denver One of our juniors went last summer and is hoping to go back. They focus on various arts.
EPIC at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo These camps explore engineering fields.
UC Santa Barbara offers a Research Mentorship Program and Science & Engineering Research Academy
Global Scholar International Relations Program in Washington D.C. They also have paid content creator positions for students.
UC Davis Pre-College Program offers three strands, one on marine science, one on equine science and the third on theater.
I'm hopeful that we'll be able to offer our usual Scholars Summer Art class and will send out information when I know for sure. Some of you may be looking for volunteer opportunities. Did you know the Sac Zoo needs summer camp counselors? A number of our students have enjoyed working as lifeguards for city pools or at the waterslides, but first you need lifeguard class.
Spend some time searching and plan ahead--you're sure to find something that appeals to you, and that includes spending time on your own interests and hobbies.