Dragon News - 01.06.23
Principal's Message
As Culture Week at ISB approaches, I am reminded of the incredible diversity of students we have at our school. With 48 different languages spoken in the homes of our kids, with a large immigrant population of both students and parents, with an amalgam of races, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities, ISB is truly an international school. Students often speak of the value that this diversity brings to their experience as ISB students, and how it is through this diversity that such a strong community is built. And, it is both the diversity and the community that help students excel and succeed with incredibly rigorous coursework.
Culture Week is a celebration of who we are. Below is a request for help in putting on some of the workshops that our students will be attending on Wednesday and Thursday of that week (February 6 - 10). We would be most grateful if you were willing to share of yourselves in some way during that time. In talking with many of you throughout the year at various events, I know that the reason ISB has such amazing students is because we also have such amazing parents. Please consider sharing some of yourself with our students on those days.
Andrew Gilford
Principal
Upcoming Events
- 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
- January 19 - MS Band Concert; 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Culture Week Presenters
We are still looking for presenters/workshop facilitators for Culture Week. We would love to have you come and give a short presentation to students (35-40 minutes) on a topic of your choice. It could be a career talk, a family story, you could share a craft, a short language lesson, etc. If you think you have an idea, but are not sure if it would work, contact Rory Williamson at rory_williamson@beaverton.k12.or.us. If you have an idea that you for sure want to do, fill out this form so we can schedule you in. Thank you so much for helping to make ISB and Culture Week a meaningful place and event.
Junior Model United Nations on January 14
Middle School students interested in international affairs: This day is for you. It isn’t too late to sign up for the Junior Model United Nations half-day conference on January 14 from 9:00 - 12:00 at ISB. See the attached flyer for more details. The cost is $20 and the deadline to sign up has been extended to January 12.
Finals/Opportunity Week
The last week of first semester is January 30 - February 3. Most high school classes will have final exams or final projects, and some middle school classes may have end of semester assessments as well. Attached is the schedule for the week. A few things to note:
January 30 is a normal day with a normal schedule.
January 31 - February 2 are half days for all grades 6-12. Dismissal is at 10:29.
Lunch will be served from 10:29 - 10:40 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but we are encouraging students to eat when they get home.
Buses will depart ISB for the comprehensive high schools at 10:45.
Seniors with early release or late arrival do not need to be on campus during that period.
Friday, February 3 is a teacher grading day. There is no school on that day.
Culture Corner
Ouidah Voodoo Festival/Fête du Vudoun (Benin) - January 10th
This annual festival and public holiday in Benin, honors the foundations of the different forms of traditional religions of West Africa. It also remembers those Africans whose lives were shattered by the slave trade. On this day, thousands of faithful from all around the world form a procession that follows the route that slaves were taken as they were transported to the West. The procession ends in Ouidah, the spiritual capital of voodoo, to celebrate and receive a blessing from the high priest of the religion. The festivities typically include the slaughter of a goat to honor the spirits followed by a huge party with singing, dancing, chanting, food and drink. As the central belief of voodoo is that everything is spirit, including humans, revelers wear elaborate costumes and masks representing spirits of the deceased.
To learn more about this festival, please visit: https://www.exploring-africa.com/en/benin/ouidah-voodoo-festival-benin
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.