By Nick Yates, ISB Communications
International School of Beijing (ISB) parents are getting a great chance to discover more about what their children are learning and ISB’s careful education philosophy at Back to School Nights (BTSNs) hosted on campus.
From academics to co-curricular activities to counseling, guests at ISB’s annual BTSNs are briefed on how this school is an inspiring international community in which students are given plenty of opportunities to explore, discover their passions, and serve others. BTSNs provide parents and teachers with a face-to-face opportunity to discuss objectives for the year ahead and the principles behind a quality modern education.
To read about parents’ takeways from past BTSNs, click here.
The 2021-2022 BTSNs kicked off yesterday, with Lower Elementary School (LES) parents welcomed to campus. The High School BTSN is this evening. Parents of Middle School students and Upper Elementary students get their turn next Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
These events are very important for the ISB community. Covid-19 restrictions have kept parents off campus for much of the past two years. Now, working with the local authorities, ISB has secured permission to host parents once again for BTSNs. The school has special safety measures in place to provide for community safety. How faculty and families have missed meeting in person! Being on campus, parents can also see the beautiful environment in which their children are learning, including the school’s fantastic new facilities.
ISB faculty place great value in the relationship between school and home. Occasions like BTSN play a huge part in ensuring these ties are strong, along with the Parent Education Series of talks and workshops on ISB’s curriculum and the science and rationale behind it.
The LES BTSN saw a great turnout, with parents delighted to be able to spend time with teachers and other families in person. Almost 65 percent of families with students in the Lower Elementary School attended Back to School Night.
“Thank you to all the parents who came to our LES Back to School Night. We’re already looking forward to spending time with UES families next week,” said Elementary School Principal Clarissa Sayson. “ISB’s virtual BTSNs last year were a good way of explaining our philosophy to the ISB and wider community at a time when campus access was restricted. It’s wonderful now to be allowed to have parents on campus and to be able to talk in person about our programs and how Elementary students will experience challenging and joyful learning in 2021-2022.”
High School Principal Jeff Holcomb added, "Our carefully crafted curriculum is designed to support student learning and best prepare them for success in life at ISB and beyond. The High School offers innovative interdisciplinary courses, a focus on social-emotional learning, a strong mentoring program, and a balanced program to support student growth. We can't wait to welcome families back to campus for our BTSN this evening, introduce them to our talented teachers, and share how we can effectively partner with parents to support their students' academic and personal growth this year."