ISB Senior Winter DP News
Managing Stress
Senior year can be a stressful time for both students and parents. In addition to academic requirements and the college application process, students and families are anticipating the transition to a new phase of life, which can bring up all sorts of emotions. It is important to recognize this and give your student and yourself grace as you go through the process. One tip that may be helpful is designating a specific time to discuss college planning and financial aid each week so that this often-stressful topic is not an ongoing conversation affecting other areas of your family life. At this meeting, assign tasks and make goals that should be completed by and discussed at the next meeting and not talked about outside of that time. Then, spend time outside of the meeting enjoying each other.
Although students have a lot to do during senior year, it is important to also encourage relaxation and fun too. The week before finals we like to focus on self-care around ISB, encouraging students to take time to relax, be mindful, and move their bodies. Some of these strategies include: coloring pages or other creative activities, yoga, focusing on gratitude or creating a gratitude journal, going outside for a walk, hike, or other exercise, mindful apps such as Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer, spending time with friends or family, or doing an activity they enjoy. Students sometimes feel like they don’t have time for these things, but it is important to remember that being adamant about self care helps us to be our best selves and ultimately be the most productive.
CAS
Final CAS portfolios are due April 22nd!! Students should continue to engage in CAS activities, however, most all CAS projects should be completed by this point. Please ask your student to show you their CAS portfolio in ManageBac. There should be multiple CAS activities recorded and a CAS project. CAS is an IB Diploma requirement and successful completion of CAS is required for students to earn an IB diploma. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cindy Dickerson at cindy_dickerson@beaverton.k12.or.us. She is our CAS coordinator and is happy to answer any questions.
Finishing Up Applications
By now, most students have completed college applications. After applications are in, students should monitor their applications to make sure the college or university has received required materials. Usually this is done through an online portal sent out by the school to the student via email after an application is submitted. If an item is missing, the student should contact their counselor to discuss next steps in getting this corrected. Some colleges require students to submit first semester grades. Counselors will do this automatically for any school that uses the Common Application and requires a mid-year report. If a school not on the Common Application requires semester grades, please contact your counselor with information on how semester grades should be submitted.
OSAC and Oregon Promise
The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) is an office of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) committed to assisting Oregonians in their pursuit of higher education. Established in 1959 by the Oregon Legislature, OSAC provides innovative funding and programs to Oregon students and families. Each year, OSAC awards grants and scholarships of more than $118 million to thousands of Oregon students. Prominent grant programs include the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the Oregon Promise Grant, the Chafee Education and Training Grant, and the Oregon Student Child Care Grant. Here are a couple of highlights and due dates for OSAC that are especially important:
OSAC Scholarship Deadline: Early Bird - February 15th, Regular March 1st
The OSAC Scholarship is a common scholarship application for around 600 scholarships available to Oregon students. Students can not only submit this application this year, but throughout their college years as well. Use the filters on the scholarship catalog page to see what scholarships you may qualify for.
Oregon Promise:
Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps to cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates. Students must apply during their senior year. You must complete the Oregon Promise Application and the FAFSA or ORSAA by June 1st and you must start college Fall Term 2020.
Amy Schuff
IB ToK/IB Diploma Coordinator
International School of Beaverton
17770 SW Blanton Rd
Beaverton OR 97078
CONTACT AND FOLLOW US
International School of Beaverton
Jill O'Neill, 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
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