WELCOME BACK!
January will be a very busy month at RIS for all students, grades 9-12. During January we will begin celebrating the accomplishments of seniors who are being recognized for their achievements at RIS by receiving university acceptances. Grade 11 students will begin the process of university exploration and application. January for the grade 10 students represents a time to make big decisions that will direct their education for the next two years. Finally, the grade 9 students are finishing their first semester of high school and can realize the commitment and dedication necessary for academic success at RIS.
Last year, RIS graduated 180 seniors, the largest graduation class of any international school in Bangkok. This year we will again graduate close to 180 seniors and again it will represent the largest graduation class. Even more impressive is the fact that all of our graduates receive acceptances to universities around the world. Last year our graduates received acceptances from the top universities in the United States, and universities across the globe. We also had a number of graduates enter the prestigious Thai universities to continue their studies. We are very proud of our graduates and we expect this years’ class to continue the tradition of excellence RIS graduates represent.
The grade eleven students are halfway through a key year at RIS and an important year of preparation. The focus for these students will begin to shift to the process of university exploration and application. Many students have taken the SAT multiple times working to demonstrate their capabilities. Their success is also dependent on academic achievement during their grade eleven year. Universities will focus on course load and achievement data from this year when making decisions on submitted applications. Stress levels for students in this class will begin to rise and support from parents, teachers, counselors, and friends will determine future success.
Decisions, decisions! Grade ten students will need to make some very important and directive decisions in the next few weeks. Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate, which course of study will best prepare them for their future? Counselors will continue to provide support and information about these decisions and parents are encouraged to ask questions as well. History does show that either path will help students succeed. Selecting the correct courses, based on the students’ interests and past predictive performance is essential. This is the time for conversations between grade ten students, their parents, counselors, and teachers. The best decisions come from having the best information and quality conversations.
What an introduction to high school for the grade nine students. It began on August 9th with orientation, and concluded with a couple very long weeks to make up lost time caused by flooding. January 13th marks the official end of first semester and the grades students receive will become part of a permanent record that will be evaluated three years from now by distant universities. I want to take this opportunity to remind the students and their parents about the importance of the grades earned and the need for dedicated study. As we begin second semester, students are encouraged to reflect on what helped them succeed during the first semester and to make changes in the areas they did not do as well. Your journey to university has begun and you are now laying the foundation for your future opportunities.
At RIS, we are very proud of our students and we know they work hard to be the best. We appreciate the support of parents for their students, and we remind students of the opportunity that attending RIS provides them as they prepare for the future. Teachers will be continuing to provide quality instruction and the school will work to support teachers with the best resources and professional development. Working together, we can continue to produce the best graduates in Thailand and create opportunities around the world for those graduates to continue their studies.
Thank you for supporting RIS.
Eric Monson
High School Principal |
