Spotlight On Our Student Arno

This week, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Arno, a remarkable first grader who began his ISR journey in kindergarten in 2023 and is now nearing the completion of his first year in Elementary School.

Arno was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by his teacher, Ms. Kilian, who shares, “Arno is a shining example of what it means to be a true role model in our classroom. Always responsible and exceptionally organized, he consistently sets a high standard for himself and others. Whether it’s coming into class with a bright smile or approaching each day with enthusiasm and a readiness to learn, Arno’s positive attitude is contagious”.

Ms. Kilian adds, “He is well liked by his peers, not just for his friendly nature, but also for his genuine kindness. Arno is always willing to lend a helping hand, showing care and consideration to everyone around him. His thoughtful actions and dependable character make him a person others naturally look up to. We are so proud to celebrate Arno and the wonderful impact he has on our class!”.

Ms. Johnson, another Grade 1 teacher adds, “Arno is such a caring and considerate student, he always holds the door open for the children to come back in”.

Arno has also made a lasting impression on Ms. Vrem, Head of ISR Kindergarten and Academic Head of Grade 1. She says, “Arno is a wonderful child! He joined us in KG2 and quickly proved himself to be a very thoughtful and gentle person. He is well liked by both friends and staff, and his smile warms your heart”.

Finally, Ms. Fatscher, Arno’s former kindergarten teacher, fondly recalls, “I remember Arno in KG2 as a responsible, kind, honest, and curious student who always tried his best and always tried to do what’s right. What an amazing choice for the student spotlight. Congratulations Arno!”.

We are proud to spotlight Arno as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Tara

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Tara, who joined ISR in 2017.

Tara was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by Mr. Bates, the Academic Head of Grade 11. He says “Tara is a pleasure to teach and is always engaged and inquisitive. She is positive, always smiling, and extremely diligent in her academic pursuits. A team player, who has the respect of her peers and teachers, she exudes quiet confidence, and I am sure she will be successful in whatever path she chooses”.

Dr. McGee, Tara’s IB English teacher adds, “It’s been a wonderful experience being Tara’s IB English teacher and Extended Essay supervisor. She’s the paradigm of an English student —truly dedicated to improving her writing craft, and her growing command of the English language continues to impress.  It’s been a pleasure watching her grow as a writer, thinker, and student”.

Tara has also made an impression on the Student Leadership Council, with SLC Advisor Ms. McGee noting, “Tara is a bright light on our Student Leadership Council’s Events Team.  I know her for always having a smile and an idea to contribute to help with planning or execution. I am impressed with her communication skills and proud of the steady support she has given this year!”.

Ms. Megal, Tara’s former IGCSE Spanish teacher, has fond memories of her student, sharing, “Tara is a cheerful and positive student who always gives her best. She holds herself to high standards and is kind to her classmates. She left a great impression with her enthusiasm and dedication”.

We are proud to spotlight Tara as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Luca

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our sixth-grader, Luca, who joined ISR in 2023.

Luca was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by his Spanish teacher, Ms. Sinarcas. She says, “I would like to nominate Luca for his exceptional qualities and efforts throughout this academic year. I have the privilege of teaching him Spanish, and from the very beginning, Luca has shown a remarkable attitude toward learning.

Not only has he worked diligently in mastering a new language (this being his first year of contact with Spanish), but he has done so with a level of positivity, curiosity, and respect that is truly outstanding. Luca consistently demonstrates a genuine interest in the subject-asking insightful questions, volunteering for oral activities in front of the class, and reading texts aloud for his peers.

His eagerness to participate and his friendly, optimistic demeanor make him a joy to teach. Luca is always smiling and is genuinely caring, often asking me how I am and if I’ve had a good day. His kindness, respect, and enthusiasm are qualities that make him stand out as not just an excellent student, but a wonderful person.

It has been a true pleasure to be Luca’s teacher this year. He is, without a doubt, an exceptional young individual who deserves recognition.”

Luca’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, also has great things to say: “Luca has achieved tremendous progress since I started teaching him last school year. His confidence, his discipline, and his perseverance are plausible. He is always respectful and thrives to do the best even when the task seems challenging. He will achieve great things.”

Ms. Freise, who has covered Luca’s class on numerous occasions, adds, “Luca is truly a wonderful student. He’s kind, approachable, and genuine, and his quick learning and intelligence always impresses. He is very polite and it’s a pleasure to see him grow and excel!”

Our English teacher, Ms. Barba continues, “Luca is an amazing student. He’s hardworking, sweet and kind. He will always put 110% effort into everything he does. He truly represents our motto: It’s cool to be good!”

Finally, Ms. Scholz, Luca’s German teacher, says, “I’ve had the joy of teaching Luca in German since Grade 5, and he’s been a fantastic student every step of the way! His reliability, dedication, and polite nature truly stand out. Luca is a wonderful role model and a much-liked member of our class. It’s always a pleasure to have him my lessons.”

We are proud to spotlight Luca as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Erika

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our ninth-grader, Erika, who joined ISR in 2020. Erika’s journey at ISR has been marked by her dedication, leadership, and positive influence on our school community.

Erika was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by our SLC Coordinator, Ms. McGee. She shares, “As a prefect of the Elementary School Department on the Student Leadership Council, Erika stands out for her extraordinary commitment to service. Over the course of this year, she has become a driving force of our team, always present at every event and campaign, supporting not only the Elementary Team but the entire council. With her remarkable dedication and bright potential, Erika is a shining example of what it means to serve with heart and lead with integrity.  We are thankful for her!”.

Erika’s Economics teacher, Ms. Van Rhee adds, “Erika continues to impress with her dedication, positive attitude, and consistent effort in everything she does. It is a pleasure having Erika in class, keep up the good work”.

Ms. McGowan, Erika’s English teacher also has great things to say about her student, “Erika is a fabulous English student. She is always engaged in lessons, showing her excellent understanding through her thoughtful and insightful contributions. Her mature approach to her studies and her superb attitude to learning make her a fantastic role model for her peers. No matter the task, Erika gives it her all and she absolutely deserves to be celebrated as an outstanding member of the ISR community.”

Finally, Erika’s Science teacher, Mr. O’Brien, adds, “Erika is an outstanding student who engages actively in class and always gives her best.  She is polite and respectful to her teachers and to her classmates and is always ready to help whenever she can.”

We are proud to spotlight Erika as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Wilhelmina

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our first-grader, Wilhelmina, who joined ISR in 2024. Affectionately known as ‘Mina’ by her friends and teachers, she has already made a remarkable impression on our school community.

Wilhelmina was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Mr. Noomen. He shares, “Mina is a positive, young learner who understands that learning often requires dedication and effort. Each day, she gives it her all. Mina always tries her best, and when she finds something difficult, she asks the right questions to better understand new concepts. Once she has overcome these challenges, Mina is happy to share her knowledge with her peers.

Furthermore, Mina is a kind-hearted classmate who cares about the feelings of others. She values a positive classroom atmosphere, and that is evident in everything she does. Simply put, it is a joy to work together with Mina in class!”

Mr. Baumann, Mina’s Sports teacher adds, “Mina is athletic and enjoys exercise. She is eager to learn and isn’t afraid to try new sports.”

Mina’s German Booster teacher, Ms. Schumann, praises her enthusiasm and dedication: “Mina is a bright student who participates in the German Booster program with great enthusiasm and dedication. She brings not only her curiosity and joy for learning but also a big heart—always ready to support her classmates. With a smile on her face, she tackles every new task, demonstrating that learning can be fun. Her commitment and positive energy make her a true role model for everyone in the group”.

Finally, Ms. Killian, head of the Reading Rainbow Club where Mina actively participates, shares: “Wilhelmina is a pleasure to have in the Reading Rainbow Club. She is always willing to learn and ready to tackle any activity. Her dedication and perseverance during our lesson is outstanding and this is something she can be very proud of!”

We are proud to spotlight Wilhelmina as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Johanna

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Johanna, who joined ISR in 2016.

Johanna was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by Ms. McGee, the Student Leadership Council Advisor. She shares, “As the SLC Advisor, I am grateful for the impact Johanna has made on the School Spirit Team through her commitment and dedication to service leadership. Sometimes our experiences can leave us feeling cynical about the change we can make in the world, but Johanna’s attitude and actions serve as a reminder that those feelings of doubt are misplaced. She is the kind of leader who shows us that through quiet kindness and steadfast effort, change is possible.”

Ms. Racheva, Johanna’s former Sports teacher, echoes this sentiment: “I had the privilege of teaching Johanna and was fortunate to have her in my sports lessons. She is a remarkable young person, beautiful both inside and out. Always punctual, focused, enthusiastic, and motivated, Johanna stood out as a hardworking and gifted athlete who played with fairness and integrity. I am excited to see the path she chooses in the future, and I’m confident she will achieve great success.”

Johanna’s English teacher, Dr. McGee, adds, “As Johanna’s English teacher, I witness on a weekly basis the way she strives for perfection. She is constantly challenging herself to be better and improve her writing and thinking. What is especially great, however, is that within that challenge to herself she also consistently challenges me as her teacher to be better. It’s this trait that makes Johanna a great student for her teachers and a peer for her fellow classmates.”

Ms. Franssen, ISR Activities Coordinator, highlights Johanna’s initiative: “Johanna initiated the Baking Club as part of her CAS projects under the SEA (Service, Engagement, and Action) framework. She brought forward creative ideas such as recipe exchanges, baking competitions, and bake sales to support charitable causes. Her excellent organizational skills and enthusiasm made the club a success, showcasing how deeply students can engage in SEA activities.”

Johanna’s dedication and leadership continue to inspire those around her at ISR.

We are proud to spotlight Johanna as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Jun

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our fifth-grader, Jun, who joined ISR in 2022.

Jun was nominated for the spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Codina, who praises her as follows: “Jun radiates energy, positivity, and happiness in everything she does. Her genuine love for learning creates a fun and engaging classroom environment for both students and teachers. She is playful and curious, always eager to explore new topics further or ask insightful questions to deepen her understanding. Jun works hard, consistently pushing herself to excel beyond her own expectations. She is the kind of student who brings me a sense of fulfillment and joy in my job, making me look forward to the joy of teaching and learning. She is a wonderful human being!”

Jun’s German teacher, Ms. Schmitz, adds, “Jun’s kindness and respect for others are truly evident. She always strives for perfection in everything she does, and her dedication and positive attitude make her a joy to have in German class.”

Ms. Barba, Jun’s English teacher, agrees, “Jun is hardworking, resilient, sweet, and kind. She consistently does her absolute best and is an amazing student.”

Ms. Morris, the Academic Head for grades 4 and 5, comments, “Jun is an incredibly bright and creative student. She always has a smile on her face and approaches new situations with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. Jun is a fantastic student both in and out of the classroom, and we are proud to have her at ISR.”

Jun also excels in sports, impressing both her sports teacher, Ms. Racheva, and her football coach, Mr. Baumann. Ms. Racheva notes, “I have been teaching Jun since 2024 and am impressed by her eagerness and dedication to her sports lessons. She is always well-prepared, on time, follows instructions, and tries her very best. She is a wonderful person and a great team player—it’s a pleasure being her PE teacher.” Mr. Baumann adds, “Jun is part of our girls’ football team. She has a lot of will and perseverance and enjoys competing even with older students. Jun is always polite and shows great team spirit!”

We are proud to spotlight Jun as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Cornell

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Cornell, who joined ISR in 2019. Cornell was nominated by our ISR Student Leadership Council (SLC) Advisor, Ms. McGee, who highlights his exceptional contributions.

Ms. McGee praises Cornell, saying, “As Deputy Head Prefect of the Student Leadership Council, Cornell has been invaluable. His dedication earned him this role, and we’re grateful for his skills this year.” She continues, “Cornell connects with everyone and has grown significantly in leadership and communication. He takes his responsibilities seriously, supporting our eight departments with attention to detail. Whether listening to ideas, organizing, or planning, he approaches every task with dedication. We’re delighted to have him inspire future SLC generations and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Mr. Urban, ISR’s CAS Coordinator, also commends Cornell: “He is a dedicated and hard-working student who consistently delivers. Cornell founded and leads the Debate Club and actively participates in History Club and Model United Nations, engaging in discussions on ethics, philosophy, current events, and world history.”

Mr. McGee, Cornell’s IB English teacher, adds, “Cornell is a true Renaissance man and the epitome of an IB learner. He excels in English, consistently improving his writing and demonstrating a remarkable command of vocabulary. What impresses me most is his genuine helpfulness; he offers empathetic advice and support to anyone who approaches him; and there is no doubt that it is good and useful advice!”

We are proud to spotlight Cornell as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Abdulrazak

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our third-grader, Abdulrazak, who joined ISR in 2024. His positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm have had a great impact on both his peers and teachers, inspiring a supportive and collaborative classroom environment.

Abdulrazak, affectionately known as ‘Abudi’ in class, was nominated for the Student Spotlight by his homeroom teacher, Ms. Vittin. She says, “Abudi is a bright and selfless learner, who genuinely loves learning. He is constantly helping others out and considering them in the classroom. Furthermore, Abudi is a wonderful partner, who is patient, and always takes the time to explain different concepts to people who need help. He is also more than willing to help out in the classroom, or to help other teachers and students outside of the classroom. Abudi strives to do his very best and always puts 110% into all the work he does. All in all, he is a role-model student, who is a true joy to have in class, well done!”

Mr. Nous, Abudi’s Sports teacher, adds, “Abudi is a friendly, sporty boy who clearly enjoys being active. He adjusted in the group quickly last year and is an appreciated member of the group.”

Abdulrazak’s ability to balance being a supportive classmate with his own academic pursuits is truly commendable. We are proud to have him as part of our ISR family and look forward to seeing his continued growth and achievements. He truly embodies our school motto: “It’s cool to be good!”

We are proud to spotlight Abdulrazak as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!

Spotlight On Our Student Arjun

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our seventh-grader, Arjun, who joined ISR in 2017. Since his arrival, Arjun has had many great accomplishments, recently winning the top prize in Germany for the Lion’s Club International Peace Poster Project. His teachers, both past and present, have shared glowing reflections on his talents and character.

Mr. Kirk, ISR’s Science Coordinator, says: “I have been impressed with Arjun’s contributions both within and outside the school. Arjun has produced multi-disciplinary work between science and computing, with his AI assistant “ISRBuddy”. The project was excellent and was entered into the jugend forscht competition where his efforts were recognized with a trophy in the “special curious researcher” category.”

Dr. Mitchell, Academic Head for Grades 7 and 8, adds: “Arjun is quiet, kind, and talented and we are always impressed with his motivation to participate in extracurricular competitions such as the Jugend forscht and the Lions Club International Peace Poster Project.”

Ms. Freise, Arjun’s former English teacher, says, “Arjun is a bright and talented student with a wonderful curiosity for learning. He is highly articulate and impresses with his ability to communicate in multiple languages. His love for reading is evident, and he often shares insightful thoughts and ideas. Arjun’s artistic talent shines through in his creative work, and his keen sense of humor brings joy to those around him. He is always polite and respectful, making him a valued member of the class. It is a joy to teach Arjun.”

Ms. Morris, ISR’s Academic Coordinator for Grades 4 and 5, adds, “Arjun has always been an excellent student. I was particularly impressed by his coding project at this year’s science fair during ISR Open House, where he created a chatbot to share information about ISR. His creativity also shone in his prize-winning entry for the Peace Poster project. Arjun’s talents and wonderful personality always shine through, and I am proud to see everything he is accomplishing!”

And finally, Arjun’s former Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Fatscher (née Ramirez), remembers him fondly saying, “Arjun was in my kindergarten class. I will always remember his kind spirit and positive attitude. When he faced challenges, he kept trying! He always wanted to do his best and showed compassion to others. His playful nature brought great ideas to life! Seeing him now still brings a big smile to my face when I hear him say, ‘Hi Mrs. Ramirez!”

We are proud to spotlight Arjun as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!

The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!