ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ES)
Elementary School Teachers and Instructional Assistants create a nurturing and supportive classroom environment which lends itself to making new students feel comfortable in their new surroundings. New students are paired with a classmate who helps them become familiar with the Elementary School. A special Elementary School assembly is held which is specifically designed to welcome new students to ISB. Classroom assignments about family, friends, classmates and self are given to help new students as they become accustomed to their new environment. New students also participate in small group counseling sessions to aid in their adjustment to a new country. Classroom visits by counselors provide additional opportunities to monitor new student acclimatization and progress.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (MS)
New MS students are paired with a "buddy" to help facilitate their adjustment to ISB, in addition to the MS New Student Orientation program with talks by the MS Student Council, the Principal, Counselors, the School Psychologist, Librarians, the Activities Director, and the Head of School. A New Student Getaway is scheduled at the beginning of each semester which provides students with the opportunity to make new friends and learn more about ISB. Students are assigned to grade-level "Houses" allowing teachers to work collaboratively and to monitor each student's progress. Students are provided a counselor who helps them with academic planning, class scheduling and/or confidential personal issues.
HIGH SCHOOL (HS)
New HS students attend an orientation day which is devoted to topics that include time management, library services, community-school involvement, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, career inventories, and the development of an academic plan. New students are paired with Peer Facilitators who help to ensure that the transition to ISB is as smooth as possible. New Student Lunch functions are held which provide an informal setting for staff and new students to meet and talk about how they are acclimating to their new environment. Students are assigned a Guidance Counselor to help them during their transition period and beyond in areas such as course selection, college and career guidance, as well as with personal issues.
