IHS IB Notes
May 2021
Goodbye & Hello
Seniors are nearing the end. I feel the excitement about having a graduation ceremony this year, even if they have to split into two groups. They're currently filling out their IB Graduation Surveys to reflect on their experiences and let us know what their next steps are. The Class of 2021 is an impressive group, and I'll share some of their information and advice with the rest of you in June.
Welcome to the Class of 2025! We've processed applications and held virtual meetings, and there are plenty of you looking forward to starting high school. I'm glad this school year is almost over, but I'm already feeling a little excited about August 12 and the thought of a fresh start with new energy. Exact dates will come from the school over the summer, but traditionally, freshman orientation has happened a few days before school begins. I know there's something in the works for the Class of 2024, too, since so many of you will be on campus for the first time in August.
I have absolutely no affiliation with this company, but since all graduation participation is limited, you might want to consider enlisting friends and family to make a free Tribute video for your favorite graduate.
IB Gear Available (Again)
We don't know yet if we will be able to resume the tradition of the IB Committee providing shirts for all freshmen. The IB Gala had to be cancelled twice, so funds are low. In the meantime, these items are a great way to show your pride and support, and the bonus is that they can be ordered for other family members, too!
Please check the sizing charts carefully! Items are printed to order and can't be exchanged.
Service Learning
Miscellaneous Info
If you're looking for information that was in a previous newsletter, I've linked some on our main webpage.
To help promote equity, Sacramento now has free Wi-Fi in nearly 30 parks. Near us, that includes North Natomas Regional Park, Kokomo Park and Quail Park.
Have you been watching the pool construction and wondering when it will open? Not much longer! The aquatic center is a joint venture so that the pools will serve our sports and PE programs plus the public. Yesterday I saw a sign being put up across from the pool announcing the upcoming move of our softball fields.
I know studying isn't top of your list for summer, but here are some free resources for IB Math, Chem, Bio and Spanish courses.
College Prep
We've been reminding everyone that while taking the SAT and/or ACT are recommended to help keep all options open, they're not quite as critical now that many more universities including UC and CSU have gone test blind (not accepting scores) or test optional (not requiring scores). Still, once you sophomores have your PSAT results, consider using the links on collegeboard.org to share your results with Khan Academy and do some prep over the summer. Juniors, if you'd like to take the SAT again or do the ACT, see their websites to sign up.
Need some more money for college? Whether you're about to graduate or you're a junior planning ahead, you may want to check these scholarship databases.
Planning
If you are considering some sort of schedule change, it's easier to get it done before school starts rather than in August. Email your counselor with info and please copy me so I can follow up. Counselors are mainly focused on seniors right now, but I can help answer questions or get the process started.
Congratulations
A number of our students took the initiative to compete in Sacramento History Day despite all the pandemic adjustments. Some standouts were Amol Budhiraja - Senior individual Website Champion and Board of Supervisors Award winner. Ankit Budhiraja - Senior Individual Exhibit Champion. Tiffany Chan - Chinese History Award Winner. We have a club supporting participation if you'd like to be involved next year.
Two teams were recognized by the C-SPAN Student Cam Documentary Competition. You can watch their entries. Mental Health Crisis, 3rd place, by Tovya, Isabella and Seneka
Healthcare Call For Change, Honorable Mention, Rachel, Jennifer and Dhanisha. We have a club for you to be involved in this event, too!
Makenna Whitney of Sierra Donor Services was thoroughly impressed by the students' work on Thank a Healthcare Hero cards. Much appreciation to Arabella V, Alexia B, Ethan S, Kariel T, Li T, Hannah C, Alessia B, Simran G, Queenie L and Nicolette S.
Opportunities
ENGin is a non-profit that pairs student volunteers in the U.S. with Ukranian students seeking to improve their spoken English skills. Volunteer by videochatting!
Cambridge & Oxford Summer School Essay Competition. If you've ever imagined studying at one of these universities, the prizes for this competition are two week courses on campus, including everything except your travel.
The rest of this list consists of enrichment opportunities that may be quite expensive. While they are interesting and helpful, please know that most students get into college without doing paid courses. There are many other ways to learn and contribute to your community! I don't have direct experience with most of these, but I would appreciate reviews from anyone who does.
Sac State Summer Academies will be offering a whole range of topics, all online this year. Some scholarships are available. These courses are available to students completing 8th through 12th grades. Some scholarships are available. A few of the Academic Talent Search classes have openings, too, and these are for students completing 6th through 9th grades.
A.I. Scholars offers an intensive experience in artificial intelligence taught by Stanford and MIT students. Available in-person and virtually.
Global Scholar has in-person and virtual workshops exploring various topics and helping to build leadership skills. There are some needs-based scholarships available. They also have opportunities for those interested in content creation.
Future Lawyers Program by Harvard Student Agencies explores what lawyers do and the path to becoming a lawyer. This is a virtual program over two weekends. Likewise, they have a Future Doctors Program.