Teacher Appreciation 2022
Mr. Whit here.
One of the bonuses of my role at SIS is getting to work with a lot of teachers across the elementary, middle, and high schools. Typically, I get to see them in action more than most. Through my alumni chat series, I also get to hear former SIS students talk about their time at SIS and how much the teachers have impacted their lives.
On this special teacher appreciation week, it’s clear just how incredible and valuable our teachers are.
I love witnessing the growth in teacher and student relationships from the beginning to the end of the year. Both teachers and students come to me throughout the year when they need help in some way. Sometimes they need advice, sometimes they just need to talk, but always I see an individual that wants to rise to the challenge school can often provide.
Our Pre-K, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers are likely the hardest working and most caring people on the island. They put so much time and thought into their lessons and how to deliver them effectively to our young students. They do not just teach them reading and math skills, but they also make sure they know how to be kind and respectful too.
Our middle school teachers guide students through a difficult three years. But our teachers lead these adolescents with care, support, and patience. By the time these students get to high school, they have not just survived the rigors of middle school academics, but they better discovered who they are personally and are beginning to form their own goals and dreams in life.
Our high school teachers are just as earnest, understanding just how far to push our students academically. Our students can write effectively, do advanced math, speak confidently in front of a group of people, and maneuver through worlds far away from Saipan with awe-inspiring ease. More than one alumni has remarked on how college was made a bit easier by their SIS high school experience.
In my four years at SIS, I’ve seen teachers and students power through super typhoons and a pandemic with perseverance and grace. I’ve witnessed young kids grow into strong young adults and young adults become wonderful and accomplished professionals. I have always felt confident that our teachers here are equipping our students with the tools they need to survive and be successful anywhere, and as a parent and counselor, I am deeply and eternally grateful.
Well done, SIS teachers. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Gecko Alumni Talk #4 (Minori Yoshida '15)
I recently spoke with Minori Yoshida about her life after SIS. Since graduation in 2015, Minori graduated from Barnard College and entered a Doctor of Pharmacy program at Rutgers University.
We talked about everything from her first visit to the career counseling center at Barnard to what surprised her about life after SIS to missing the friendly people on Saipan and missing her Mom’s delicious food. Six years out of high school, Minori speaks about life after SIS with wisdom.
I recently spoke with Minori Yoshida about her life after SIS. Since graduation in 2015, Minori graduated from Barnard College and entered a Doctor of Pharmacy program at Rutgers University.
We talked about everything from her first visit to the career counseling center at Barnard to what surprised her about life after SIS to missing the friendly people on Saipan and missing her Mom’s delicious food. Six years out of high school, Minori speaks about life after SIS with wisdom.
Minori is bright, funny, a joy to talk to, and a positive force of light. All characteristics that could describe the SIS Alumni I have met since I’ve been here. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed talking to her.
If you are an alumni, please visit our alumni page and connect with me. I have also created an alumni page on LinkedIn. I’d love to get you on my email list to communicate with you and, if you are up for it, interview you too!
Gecko Alumni Talk #3 (Caroline Lochabay '08)
A few weeks ago I spoke with Caroline Lochabay, Class of 2008. Caroline now practices law in Northern Virginia after gaining a BA at University of Texas in Austin and a JD from William and Mary.
Caroline was on the first Destino Peru trip and was a member of a 5 person(!) graduating class back in the early days of SIS’s high school.
A few weeks ago I spoke with Caroline Lochabay, Class of 2008. Caroline now practices law in Northern Virginia after gaining a BA at University of Texas in Austin and a JD from William and Mary.
Caroline was on the first Destino Peru trip and was a member of a 5 person(!) graduating class back in the early days of SIS’s high school.
One of my favorite stories about Caroline came from Ms. Mili who told me that when Caroline was quite young she would be one of the last people to leave school because her parents both worked late.
“Do you live here?” Caroline finally asked Mili one day because Mili was there when Caroline arrived to school and still at school when her parents eventually picked her up. “Yes,” Mili deadpanned. “In my country, we sleep at our place of work to minimize the commute.”
Caroline speaks Spanish, has wonderful memories of her time in Saipan, and gives some great advice to our high schoolers. Please give it a watch!
If you are an alumni, please visit our alumni page and connect with me. I’d love to get you on my email list to communicate with you and, if you are up for it, interview you too!
Gecko Alumni Talk #2 (Jessica Soll '11)
I spoke with Jessica Soll last week about where life has taken her since she graduated from SIS nearly 10 years ago. Her path is one that brought her back to Saipan and SIS for a bit and then back to the mainland to settle in Las Vegas.
I spoke with Jessica Soll last week about where life has taken her since she graduated from SIS nearly 10 years ago. Her path is one that brought her back to Saipan and SIS for a bit and then back to the mainland to settle in Las Vegas.
We talked about how she felt compelled to figure her life out as a high schooler, but how life and her passions took her another route. Jessica is now expecting her first child and dreaming of the days when she was growing up on the island in Saipan’s warm embrace. We also talked about the amazing superhero powers that Ms. Mili possesses.
It was great to meet and talk to this former Gecko.
If you are an alumni, please visit our alumni page and connect with me. I’d love to get you on my email list to communicate with you and, if you are up for it, interview you too!
Gecko Alumni Talk #1 (Annie Camacho '10)
My first Gecko Alumni Talk was with Annie. She was really interesting and offered up lots of wisdom for our high schoolers. Please watch!
I am always so impressed with SIS students and what they go on to do in the world. Annie Camacho, class of 2010, is no exception to this rule.
It is no small feat to go thousands of miles from a home (that is like no where else on Earth) and carve out a place for yourself. In an effort to prepare our seniors for life after SIS, I have been reaching out to working alumni to set up a career panel to help us understand what that transition looks like
My first Gecko Alumni Talk was with Annie. She was really interesting and offered up lots of wisdom for our high schoolers. Please watch!
If you are an alumni, please visit our alumni page and connect with me. I’d love to get you on my email list to communicate with you and, if you are up for it, interview you too!
*Editor’s Note: I was unaware that this would be a split screen interview. It was also crazy hair day. :(
Gecko Talks: Initiative
Last week, students in 5th through 12th engaged in our new student-led advisory program at Saipan International School. Starting in October, students in middle and high school are using one homeroom period a month to focus on social and emotional learning (SEL). These sessions, called Gecko Talks, are centered around the school virtue each month. This month we talked about initiative.
By: Mr. Whit
Last week, students in 5th through 12th engaged in our new student-led advisory program at Saipan International School. Starting in October, students in middle and high school are using one homeroom period a month to focus on social and emotional learning (SEL). These sessions, called Gecko Talks, are centered around the school virtue each month. This month we talked about initiative.
In our first advisory class, students talked about how to set and achieve goals. Our essential questions were:
What are goals?
What is the benefit of setting goals?
How do you achieve your goals?
The classroom representatives also identified and broke down students’ long-term goals into short-term goals that could be achieved as early as this week.
The ultimate goal of this lesson was to give students some motivation to set and achieve a goal this year that will lead them to larger accomplishments down the road. Positive Psychology says: goal-setting….gives meaning to our actions and the purpose of achieving something higher.
It is easy, as a student, to wonder why we are learning the skills that we learn in school if we are just focused on our long-term goal. For example, what job requires me to write a thesis statement? When will I ever be asked to solve an equation? How does knowing what a cell is matter for my future?
But just like cells, all of these skills we learn while studying are building blocks to something larger. Learning the essential elements of math, science, history, and other subjects ultimately give students the skills to think critically and communicate effectively in all aspects of their lives. Learning how to organize what they need to learn for class and understanding why they need to learn it will serve them well no matter what future they pursue.
I was very proud of the students who both led and engaged in this lesson. Students were challenged to teach, communicate, and think about what their purpose is and how to keep their purpose in view in their horizon.
Want to follow-up with your students at home? Ask them about their short- and long-term goals. How can you work together as a family to help them reach these goals?
Dear Seniors,
I sat at graduation this year listening to your speeches and watching you walk up to get your diplomas in face masks. I became emotional thinking about all that you didn't get to experience and the strangeness of your graduation. It hit me later, though, that these upheavals of tradition often make for the most beautiful moments. Normalcy, while comfortable, is rarely interesting. I believe 2020 has been a year of incredible growth for all of us.
Mr. Whit sent this in an email to the 2020 Seniors this week as they make their way into the great big world.
Graduation Day for the Class of 2020.
As we start making preparations for going back to school at SIS, my thoughts have turned to you.
It's hard to believe that we stopped going to school on March 13th. A Friday the 13th no less. It must feel like your senior year was cursed.
But I think the way the year ended embodies who you are at the core. Not typical, unorthodox, and (wonderfully) different from the rest of us.
I sat at graduation this year listening to your speeches and watching you walk up to get your diplomas in face masks. I became emotional thinking about all that you didn't get to experience and the strangeness of your graduation. It hit me later, though, that these upheavals of tradition often make for the most beautiful moments. Normalcy, while comfortable, is rarely interesting. I believe 2020 has been a year of incredible growth for all of us.
2020 Graduation took place at 8am on campus. Usually it is nighttime in a ballroom.
This year, your graduation, and the grace you maneuvered through all of it has been truly inspiring. I hope that after you fully reflect on and mourn this year, you shift your focus to the positives that came out of this year: the lessons that can be drawn from it, the unique memories you will have, and the friendships bolstered through distance and a common struggle.
Semi Ji receiving her diploma.
I gave the class of 2019 pieces of advice for how to approach college, but you are headed into a world unlike the one they were headed into. Also, because of the circumstances and because of who all of you are, I feel like you have passed on important wisdom to me.
So here is a list of what I learned from the Class of 2020.
10. Ask questions: Is there a more inquisitive class than you? All of you wanted to know and learn every angle of a problem and if you weren't asking your teachers for help you were asking yourselves the right questions. Asking hard questions leads to a deeper understanding, and even if you think you know everything...you are smart enough to know...you don't.
9. Don't settle for average: Your class did every job for yourselves and unless it was perfect it wasn't good enough. I will always admire your quest for perfection even in tasks where average was good enough.
8. Resilience: Your class lost all of the fun things that come in the spring semester. Prance, class trip, graduation, and just the final lap of being seniors. Did you complain? Maybe a little bit. Did you let it wreck you? Not at all. In both Yutu and the pandemic I feel like I've looked to your class to understand how to gracefully maneuver through hardship with my head held high while keeping focused on what was within my control.
7. Don't take yourself too seriously: In a class that strove for perfection, I was always a little surprised when you could laugh at yourselves. You shared stories about stupid things you have done and you'd even laugh at yourself when you made a silly mistake in real time. You showed me you can be perfect AND have a sense of humor.
6. If you don't have it, make it: I don't think SIS has ever seen or ever will see fundraisers or go-getters like your class. It seemed like every weekend, one of you was volunteering, participating in a club you helped create, or turning my classroom into a haunted house/ daycare/movie theater/MUN conference. I will never doubt your ability to be resourceful.
5. Be early: With some famous exceptions ;), you all always showed up on time. On the MUN trip specifically, our seniors had me on site before any other delegation. Like, hours before other delegations. You’d be waiting on me at the office before class even started. Being early is step one in making a good impression. You will be taken seriously and perform better if you show up early to things.
4. Be assertive: I would not describe your class as passive. If something didn't seem right, you'd say it. If you didn't like something, you'd express it. If you felt wronged by someone, you would let them know. This is not an easy quality to possess.
3. Be yourself: I've never seen a group of 17, 18 year olds that seemed so comfortable in their own skin. I'll never doubt that you will stay true to who you are and what you think is right.
2. Give thanks: I've gotten notes and emails (and a birthday video <3!)thanking me for the small hand I had in your SIS journey. In those small gestures you have gained a cheerleader for life. It's amazing how those tokens of gratitude have filled me with joy and have increased my already high opinion of you. Thank YOU!.
1. Value your family and friends: You always seemed to have each other's backs and put the needs of your family first too. You talked to me privately about your friends and family with love and compassion. When COVID hit, you asked me about going home to be with family and being heartbroken about being away from friends. I always sensed that you cared deeply for the people in your lives and you let them know through words and actions. Those human connections are maybe the most important thing we've got.
Thanks Class of 2020 for being who you are and teaching me some valuable lessons. I am grateful that I got to be in the trenches with you, and I am very proud to know you.
Be safe and do well!
Sincerely,
Mr. Whit
SIS National Honor Society Reads to Kids (3.0-5.9)
The SIS National Honor Society put together a few videos reading kids book for your student. Please enjoy!
The SIS National Honor Society put together a few videos reading kids book for your student. Please enjoy and let us know if you have any requests!
I am Peace: 3.0
The Paper Bag Princess: 3.8
Magnetism First Science: 3.9
AR Points 3.0-3.9
Cinderella Penguin: 4.0
Sugar Glider: 4.0
Engineer: 4.2
AR Points 4.0-4.9
John Cena: 5.0
A Picture Book of Rosa Parks: 5.1
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: 5.2
AR Points 5.0-5.9
SIS Virtual Musical 2020
We are so proud of all of your entries!
All of your videos captured your Gecko sprit and your mastery of the 4Cs. Your entries required you to be creative and collaborative as well as relying on your communication and critical thinking skills. You are amazing.
We are so proud of all of your entries!
All of your videos captured your Gecko sprit and your mastery of the 4Cs. Your entries required you to be creative and collaborative as well as relying on your communication and critical thinking skills. You are amazing.
Even though we are far apart during this time, SIS Virtual Musical showed that we can still remain connected to each other, have fun, and create beautiful things.
Thanks so much for going the extra mile with these entries. They made us laugh, smile, cry, and even gave us chills.
Be well Geckos!!
SIS National Honors Society Reads to Kids (AR 0.1-2.9)
The National Honor’s Society has filmed its members reading kids’ books for your child’s pleasure. Please enjoy!
The National Honor’s Society has filmed its members reading kids’ books for your child’s pleasure. Please enjoy and let us know if you have a request in the comments below!!
My Routine
Sleepy Dog
AR Points: 0.1-0.9
Pete the Cat: I love my white shoes
Hello Penguins
Bathtime for Biscuit
AR Points: 1.0-1.9
The Little Red Hen
Madeline Finn and the Library Dog
Click, Clack, Moo Cows
AR Points: 2.0-2.9
An Attitude of Gratitude
Today my Sophomore advisory class and I took up the challenge of keeping a Gratitude Journal this week. Our challenge is simple: write down three things that you are grateful for today.
Today my Sophomore advisory class and I took up the challenge of keeping a Gratitude Journal this week. Our challenge is simple: write down three things that you are grateful for today.
Can you do it? Want to join us?
A Gratitude Journal is something I’ve wanted to keep for a while now, but getting started has always proved challenging. At one counselor workshop I attended in 2018, one of my colleagues pulled out her handmade journal titled An Attitude of Gratitude that was filled with doodles, lists, and short musings about all the beautiful things she witnessed in her day. I was filled with envy.
That counselor went on to tell us what a great exercise it has been for her and how it helps keep her positive and reflective throughout the day. Positive Psychology rattles of 28 Benefits of Gratitude complete with research to back it up. Benefits that include better health, being happier, and even improving friendships.
We have a far easier time with seeing and recognizing the negative side of our day, how about taking a moment to appreciate and reflect on everything that went so wonderfully right?
Find joy in the little things. Finn and I have never taken time for chess in our regular life. I’m grateful we now have (and make) the time to connect over a classic board game.
So I want to share with you 3 things that I am grateful for today.
Coffee. Oh sweet, sweet, delicious, hot coffee on the deck while the birds chirp before my staff meeting.
A sophomore class filled with big smiles and infectious humor with the nerve to attempt the “Happy Birthday” song to me over ZOOM. It was off-key, out of sync, and glorious.
A wife that learned how to make gimbap and made me some for lunch.
Now that I think about it, three seems a little too easy for today. Maybe I’ll write more tonight.
*This blog is by Mr. Whit and does not necessarily reflect SIS faculty and staff views.
Be proactive with your mental health
Hey Geckos,
Mr. Whit* here. Writing from a very quiet SIS office.
I know some of you are bored right now as you are social distancing and staying home during this time of uncertainty.
First of all, good for you for helping in this fight by staying away from other people.
But I know it’s hard. Or….rather, I am learning it is hard because I’ve never personally experienced anything like this.
Empty chairs make me nervous.
Still, there are ways to keep your mental health strong. Let’s keep it short and list just a few.
Do your schoolwork. Right now you should have a few hours of school work to do from your teachers. Dive in. Even though you aren’t at school, you still have some responsibilities to your teacher and classmates. Be active. Learn. Check things off your school “to-do” list.
Help your parents. Clean your room. Fix lunch. Be positive. Entertain your siblings. Be quiet. Laugh. Hug your family. Ask your family what you can do to help. This.will.get.you.ice.cream. ;)
Read a book. Once I was snowed in at home over winter break and I read everything I could find. I went to my room, shut my door, and dove in. I still remember how I couldn’t wait to finish whatever task I was doing to get back to my book. Fall in love with reading.
Reach out. Call an old friend, a new friend, a friend you haven’t spoken to in years. Or reach out to me. I’m here if you need me. (w.altizer@sissaipan.net)
That’s it for now. We miss you here this week.
Need more ideas? Check this the UK Mental Health Foundation blog.
*This blog is by Mr. Whit and does not necessarily reflect SIS faculty and staff views.
Keep calm and carry on
By: Mr. Whit*
I imagine you are all feeling all sorts of emotions right now in the middle of a Spring Break where you were supposed to go home, or go to Japan (then Guam), or to some far-flung place you couldn’t wait to visit with your family or friends. Or to just be here with other people doing what you normally do when you don’t have school.
But you’re still on Saipan. And alone. In your home. And you’re (wisely) keeping a social distance. Wondering what everyone is up to. Looking at your phone for updates. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
If Mac in a Gecko costume doesn’t make you smile then you need to check your pulse.
If you are feeling depressed, you aren’t alone. If you are feeling relieved to be home for another week, you aren’t alone. If you are wondering how you are going to finish the school year, you are not alone. The reality of it is: all of us are feeling all sorts of things right now.
So now what?
Great question!
Here is the time to put some new things into practice.
Make a list. Like I am about to do :) Make a list of what you can accomplish today. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for. Make a list of things you need to put on hold. Make a list of your priorities. Make a list of people you love. Make a list of ways to keep you sane. Make a list of the movies you want to watch. Make a list of the people you want to call. Just get it all out of your head. Lists are just flat out fun to make, keep you productive and remind you of things to be grateful for.
Make your bed. Sounds like what your parents tell you, I know, but it will set your day right. If you can get little parts of your life organized at home it is going to help you organize the rest of your day. It could weirdly set you up for the rest of the day being a success.
Get outside. For the love of all things, get outside. Saipan is the perfect place to get fresh air and there is no limit of places to go and not be in the middle of all the chaos. Go for a walk. Do jumping jacks. Sit and stare into the beautiful blue water. According to one study, you don’t even have to move to reap the benefits of the outdoors. But put down the book/device/remote/muffin and GET OUTSIDE!
Stay focused. While school is online, chances are you’ll be doing a lot more independent work. Don’t slack off because no one is looking. Lose yourself in the work that you might have a little more time to complete. Allow the lessons of history, literature, math, and science offer you some comfort in these uncertain times. Human beings, you will find, are amazing.
Stay positive! There is still good news out there because humans are capable of amazing things. Also, this isn’t our first time dealing with difficult scenarios that we found our way out of. Things will seem hard at first mostly because they are new and different. New and different is almost never easy and it inevitably comes with stress and anxiety. Lean into it. Remember, as the saying goes, this too shall pass.
*This blog is by Mr. Whit and does not necessarily reflect SIS faculty and staff views.
Channel your inner-Ms Pam. :)
Class of 2020 College Acceptances! Where will they go?
So far the class of 2020 has gotten lots of acceptances to colleges around the world. We are so excited to see where they end up going next year! Below is a list:
Malika Miyawaki
Emory University √
QuestBridge Scholar
Robbie Schorr
William Woods University √
Which Gecko will be next?
Dear Seniors
A few days ago, Mr. Whit sent this email to the 2018-19 Senior Class as some last minute, unsolicited advice as they move on to college.
Graduation night. Photo by Michael Ngo
I wanted to thank you one more time for an amazing school year.
After our chat with alumni, it made me think of some last-minute advice for college that I wanted to share with you.
SO..... I made you a list: Top 10 things to remember when you are off at whatever school is lucky enough to have you next year.
10. Go to class. Seriously. It will be incredibly easy to justify sleeping in, going out, or just skipping class. Don't do it because you will regret it later. Attend! Learn! Engage! You'll be surprised what you will learn and who you will meet, all which will enhance your life.
9. Say no. If someone or something makes you uncomfortable or you are asked to do something you don't want to do: just say no. There are so many opportunities in college and people who will respect you and your values. Don't worry about missing anything that seems sketchy or you feel contradicts who you are and what makes you happy.
8. Say yes! I know it's a quick contradiction, but don't be afraid to say yes to something new. Rock climbing? Farming? A play? Why not? You might find out you really love that new thing.
7. Study I know you are tired of it, but take it from an old man that "Student" will be one of the best jobs you’ll ever have. Treat it like your job and work at it. You might find you want to go to graduate school or your new employer wants a transcript. What you do as an undergrad has a tendency to follow you around. Stay diligent.
6. Call home. Your parents are going to be thinking about you 24-7, so give them a shout sometime. Your needy high school counselor could use an email from time to time too.
5. Jump at opportunities. Study abroad, spend Thanksgiving with a friend's family, apply for an internship, help a professor with research. Sometimes the things that happen outside the classroom or off campus are huge for your growth and resume.
4. Visit your professor during their office hours. Students rarely take advantage of their professor's open door. Go ask for help, have a chat, introduce yourself, discuss that day's lecture. Making that connection can be huge! They will look to you when they have an opportunity or need help. Being a teacher's pet in college is pretty awesome.
3. Join a club, find a hobby, and/or get a part-time job. You will make some life-long friends in unexpected places and maybe even have a little pocket money to spend. There is a group for everyone on campus and a job that will introduce you to some people you would not have otherwise met.
2. Be open-minded. You will be around some unusual people and they may seem incredibly strange or unfriendly. Just remember that they aren't very different from you. Be open to having a conversation with someone who seems nothing like you. They may just rock your world.
1. Have fun. Study first then have fun after, but have fun. Nothing, seriously, nothing in your life, is like college. Soak it up and don't take a moment of it for granted.
Which leads to 1a.
1a. Be present! Don't spend your 4 years staring at your phone seeing what your Saipan friends are up to. Be.Where.You.Are!
Good luck lovely humans. Stay safe, study hard, and have fun!
Mr. Whit
WHERE DID THEY GO?
We’re proud of our most recent group of graduates. They are headed to the US mainland, back to their home countries, to technical school, engineering school, art school, architecture school, flight mechanic school, and world-renowned liberal arts schools.
If I were trapped on a deserted island, I’d like to have this group with me. Well-rounded, funny, and smart. After a few entertaining days and nights, we’d be on our way home on a boat they designed and built.
Good luck Class of 2019!
Jun Hee Lee
University of Washington
Nathanial Racoma
Universal Technical Institute
Annabelle Sablan
Syracuse University
Gun Lee
Korean Aeronautical University
Hyeonjoon Park
University of Michigan
Tania Tan
Fordham University
Ami Tsukagoshi
Chapman University
Jayson Pascual
University of San Francisco
Michael Lee
Air Force Academy
Prunella Pellegrino
Oxford College of Emory University
Jun Bum Huh
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Christine Ngo
Savannah College of Art and Design
Alex Park
University of Washington
Panisa Benchakarn
Thailand
A.J. Hudkins
Harding University
Kevin Park
University of Portland
Carl Cui
Northern Marianas College
Anna Calvert
Rutgers University at Newark
Andy Cho
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Fly high Class of 2019. We miss you already.
7 Reasons to Become a Gecko
There are so many reasons to come to Saipan International School. But to make a long story short, here are our top 7.
Supportive Environment
We are a small school that fosters an environment of support for others and pride in each other’s accomplishments. High schoolers mentor elementary students, elementary students read to pre-K, and teachers mentor students after school hours. One Gecko’s success is all of our success. We strive to give you the environment to excel.
Diverse Community
Our student body hails from Saipan, mainland US, Russia, Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia. Diversity on our campus allows for cultural learning moments in and between classes and meaningful relationships with someone from the other side of the world. We take great pride in the many cultures and backgrounds represented at SIS.
Passionate Teachers
Our teachers also represent many different experiences and places though they have all come to Saipan to be a part of the rich educational system here at SIS. Our teachers inspire students to do great things and guide them to learn the skills they need in the 21st century.
Academic Excellence
We are the only school in Micronesia with an AP Capstone program. Our students have the opportunity to learn college-level Physics, Biology, History, Economics, Calculus, Statistics, and Research methods. Life-long Geckos and short timers have found their way to Ivy League campuses and elite schools around the world. Our elementary and middle schoolers also excel at Math Court, Academic Challenge Bowl, and Spelling Bee. We set high standards and our students rise to meet them
Ambitious Student Body
Our students dream big and work hard to make those dreams become a reality. SIS students start clubs, self-study for AP exams, form study groups, develop working relationships with their teachers, fundraise, and go on to do great things.
Class Selection
SIS offers a wide variety of classes. Through core and elective classes, students have plenty of choices to find their area of interest. Elementary students take Mandarin, music, and PE classes in conjunction with their core classes. From middle school students can choose from variety of electives that range from robotics to art magazine. SIS is also the first school in Micronesia to implement an AP Capstone program for high schools students.
Affordable
Our school more affordable than most private and international schools around the world. With our qualified teachers, college-level academics, engaging programs, and incredible opportunities for students; SIS is an educational bargain. Please contact us to learn more about pricing and funding opportunities at SIS.