Dragon News - 01.18.21
Principal's Message
There is no better way in this tumultuous time than to start this message with the ISB Mission Statement:
Our goal at ISB is to encourage students to learn through an international lens as thoughtful, compassionate world citizens. We actively embrace intellectual rigor, intercultural respect, service to our local and world communities, and the promise of a peaceful world.
Our focus is on the national change in leadership this week and beyond, but ISB teachers and students will use the lessons learned this week to better understand and apply themselves as world citizens. The following information that was shared with the community last week guides our work.
Guidance on Social and Political Expression
The finals schedule at ISB is a little different this year. Teacher leaders brought forward a schedule that supports our students in performing at their best while also practicing being well-balanced in a rigorous program of learning. There will be no Early Release for high school students, and designated finals days are expanded to occur over a two-week time frame. Teachers are given the option of giving a final assessment or having project deadlines on specific days (see calendar below). Middle school students do not take finals.
Important factors to note in the calendar:
- Wednesday, January 20 is a full, synchronous learning day due to the four-day week.
- Finals for ISB high school students begin on January 21 and end on February 2. All four periods will be held for the full amount of time each day, with two periods each day designated for finals.
- Friday, February 5 is a grading day for teachers and there is no school for students. The second semester of the 2020-21 school year begins on February 8.
I know that students are missing the in-person learning of a “regular” school year. Teachers are also missing students. Even though they see them in the sense that students may be logging in to their classes, they often don’t have the chance to see their faces and know if they are understanding and/or engaging in the lessons. Jill included some tips in an earlier newsletter last fall that I think would be useful to repeat at this time in the school year. We are constantly talking as a staff about how we can better engage students in distance learning. Here is the list of tips Jill shared from an article she read, adapted for ISB:
- Check Canvas for each course early, as soon as it's posted in every class.
- Get to a Zoom meeting first, turn on your camera, and make yourself nod & look at the teacher in a synchronous class (teachers miss seeing your nods of understanding or facial expressions when you're confused - it helps us teach better).
- Raise your hand. Ask questions, as well as share ideas and offer answers. Send chats to your teachers to engage them and connect through email.
- Take notes constantly, preferably with paper and pencil. The act of writing something down helps our brains process information and recall it later. Review your notes frequently and update them as needed.
Other helpful practices to make part of your routine are to use your planner and Canvas calendar to organize your time. Color code priorities and deadlines, review them regularly, and celebrate by crossing tasks off when they're complete.
The teachers and office staff are busily preparing second semester materials and getting them ready for a safe and efficient schedule for you to pick up those materials from the school. Next week’s newsletter will have details on materials pick up days and times. Until then, stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Janice Adams
School Picture Retakes - Friday, Jan. 29th
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAFA828A5FAC61-international1
You have the ability to pre-order pictures by visiting dorianstudio.com and searching for the International School of Beaverton. Your online order can be placed between now and up to four (4) days after Picture Retake Day.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dorian's Customer Advocate Team by email at support@dorianstudio.com or by phone at (800) 826-3535.
Save the Date - Feb. 10 - 8th and 10th Grade Parent Nights
Believe it or not it is already time to start thinking about the 2021-22 school year! Most students will have a forecasting presentation in their Advisory class on Wednesday, February 10th. Counselors will come into 8th grade science classes February 8-9 to present about the transition to high school, as well as give forecasting information. We also offer two opportunities for parents of students in the transitional years of 8th and 10th grade to learn more and ask questions about what is offered at ISB
- 8th Grade Parent Night will be held on Wednesday, February 10th from 6:00-6:45 via a YouTube livestream. Click this link to access. Those with a YouTube account will be able to ask questions through the chat feature. The same link can be used to watch a recording of the presentation if you are unable to make the scheduled time. Our presentation will focus on the transition to high school at ISB and what to expect as students finish out the IB Middle Years Programme in 9th and 10th grade, as well as a brief overview of the Diploma Programme in 11th and 12th grades. We will discuss finding the best fit for your student whether it be continuing at ISB or transitioning to your home high school.
- 10th Grade Parent Night will be held on Wednesday, February 10th from 7:00-7:45 via a YouTube livestream. Click this link to access. Those with a YouTube account will be able to ask questions through the chat feature. The same link can be used to watch a recording of the presentation if you are unable to make the scheduled time. This presentation focuses on the transition into the IB Diploma Programme at ISB, including a general overview, course selection, diploma requirements, and potential college credit.
Youth Access Cards to Beaverton City Library
ISB NHS Tutoring Sessions
NHS members will offer tutoring sessions in all subject areas for all grade levels on Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 (simultaneous with Math Club tutoring) and Fridays from 2:40-3:40 starting this Friday.
Zoom links for these sessions can be found in the grade level or class Canvas course on the Academics Support page for Middle School and the Tutoring Sessions page for High School.
Free Meals
CONTACT AND FOLLOW US
International School of Beaverton
Janice M. Adams, Ed.D. - Interim Principal
Email: isb_communications@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/schools/isb/
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.