Effects of the Russia-Ukraine War on Students In Our Community
The Russia-Ukraine war started in February 2022 and has affected millions of people in Ukraine and beyond – including several students and families at our school. Additionally, the AISB community has welcomed displaced students from across Ukraine during these difficult times. Many of these students…
Cancer’s Impact: The Inspirational Story Behind AISB’s Pink Bench
Have you ever seen the pink bench around the AISB campus and wondered why it’s there? Have you noticed the inscription on its plaque? AISB faculty created the pink bench in 2014 and dedicated it to Ms. Mary Power, a former elementary learning support teacher…
A Q&A with AISB’s New Secondary Staff Members (2022)
This year, 10 new secondary school teachers have joined AISB from every corner of the globe. As we welcome them into our community, here is a little information about each one of them. Russell Croft Q: Where did you move here from? A: Hello AISB…
Journalism Teacher Jennifer Stevens Leaves AISB
Upon her arrival to Romania, Jennifer Stevens had no idea that she would spend the next five years building an internationally-recognized journalism program. Her initial plans were to work as a freelance writer while her husband, Luke Scholtes, worked as a chemistry teacher at AISB….
The Emotional Toll of Moving Season
It’s that time of year most of us international students dread: moving season. Some of you might be packing up your life in boxes, while others may be staying behind, watching your friends leave. Either way, next school year might be looking different for you,…
The Pechersk School International of Kyiv Community: Displaced Across Time Zones as the War Rages On
When the American Embassy in Ukraine advised citizens to evacuate the country on January 23rd, my parents quickly packed our bags and we fled to Romania. This was two days after my school, the Pechersk School International of Kyiv (PSI), had gone online. Quickly, in…
AISB’s LGBTQ+ Teachers: The Path of Self-Discovery
We’ve officially made it half-way through the year of 2022, and you know what that means: Happy Pride Month! Pride Month started after the Stonewall uprising that took place in June 1969, in New York City, which sparked the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement that we…
Crowdfunding: Is this how we Save Independent Journalism?
A recent Pew Research survey revealed that 71% of Americans get their news from social media platforms. Admittedly, this number is probably higher among AISB students. While seeing headlines in our Instagram and TikTok feeds is fine, the fact is, only 20% of people are…
AISB’s Secondary Leadership Shakeup: The Teachers who are Stepping Up & The Team’s Vision for Next Year
As the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close, reorganizations in the school’s leadership structure are already being planned for next year. Many teachers are adopting new administrative roles, and, with this change, introductions for them—for new and old students alike—are warranted. Meet the current…
Top 3 Most Popular Video Games at AISB
If you’re reading this article, you are probably a gamer. You probably have your own go-to games and feel confident with your skills in those games. But, have you ever wanted to know what your classmates were playing? If yes, don’t worry. Thirty AISB students…
The Best Study Methods According to AISB’s Math, Science & English Teachers
All of us at one point have to review or study for a test; but how do we know that our time is actually being used productively? How should we study to get the most out of our time? The answer is related to how…
Fleeing Home and Transferring Schools during a War: 11th Grader Viktoriya R tells her Story
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been one of the most broadcasted topics for the past three months. From unjustified bombings and killings to a growing refugee crisis, there has been a horrible amount of suffering for the people living in Ukraine. One of…
The Secrets of AISB Students: Anonymous Confessions
“If someone asks you not to share [a secret], then you shouldn’t share it because that person has put trust in you for a reason,” says our school counselor, Vera den Otter. “If you break that trust, you break the friendship.” About a month ago,…
One of Romania’s Last Remaining Holocaust Survivors Visits AISB to Recount His Traumatic Past
During Holocaust Remembrance Week, 92-year-old Octavian Fulop visited AISB to share his story of survival. On stage in the theater, Fulop sat in a chair with a microphone in front of him. He wore a suit and tie, and spoke in Romanian, with vivid clarity…
Which job should I choose? AISB teachers share the realities of changing careers
As a high schooler, like most of my friends, I’m starting to have questions and doubts about my future. Is it even possible to follow your “dreams and passions” as a career? After talking to several AISB teachers about their own career paths, it seems…
Tips On How To Survive The IB, from AISB Alumni
I’m sure at least some of us have heard rumors about how hard the International Baccalaureate (IB) is and how no one should take it if they still want a social life. But is that really true? To find out, I interviewed three different alumni,…
Two Professional Romanian Race Car Drivers Share Their Experience and Love for Motorsport
In the history of motorsport, there have been only two Romanian drivers that have reached international single-seater competitions: Mihai Marinescu and Robert Visoiu. I was lucky enough to talk to both of them, to discuss their experiences. While neither drivers have made it to the…
Are there careers beyond lawyers, doctors, and engineers? Four AISB students share their “non-traditional career paths”
Most parents wish for their children to choose careers that are economically stable, secure, opportunity-filled, and of course, brag-worthy. But, what about what their children want? AISB’s DP Counselor Josiah Laposky says that often times students pursue careers based on what their family members do…
How the AISB Music Department has been Affected By COVID-19
“Turn your camera on!”; “I can’t hear you!”; “Where is […]?” These are all things we heard during distance learning, off-and-on for nearly two years. Having school on Zoom was not fun, but we learned to make it work. Some classes were easier than others…
The Pandemic’s Effects on Theater—Both Globally and at AISB
After almost two years of Zoom performances, online drama classes, social distancing, masks, and shoddy wifi connections, live theatre is making a comeback. Shows on Broadway and West End started to open up late last year, with AISB’s own theater hosting its first live play…
AISB Student Spotlight: A Look at Grade 5’s PYP Exhibition
After eight weeks of researching and planning, AISB’s fifth graders finally had the chance to take part in the long-awaited PYP Exhibition (PYP X), which took place around our entire campus May 4th and 5th. At this event, the students had the opportunity to share…
G5 PYP X Spotlight: What is Ableism?
Every year, our 5th graders participate in the PYP Exhibition (PYP X), which is taking place next week, May 4th and 5th, from 5pm-7:15pm. This event showcases the projects the students have been working on for the last couple months—researching and taking action to help…
A Look at AISB’s Most Interesting Flex Time Activities
At the start of the 2021-22 school year, AISB created a new opportunity for students to have fun activities in school, known as “Flex Time.” Twice a week for 45 minute blocks, students from grades 6-12 participate in a variety of activities, from study hall…
How is Romania Contributing to the Current Climate Change Issues?
Climate change has been a global issue for many decades, and we can all agree that large-scale action is required to progress towards a solution. But, what is Romania doing to contribute? Global Warming and The Paris Agreement Everyone knows the earth is warming up,…
The ones the system failed: Two victims speak out on Romania’s systemic corruption
In 1966, Romania’s communist party banned the use of birth control and abortions with the intent to build a larger nation. This ban inevitably led to approximately 200,000 children being raised in only 700 orphanages that, for the most part, crumbled apart or decayed as…
From the Field to the Classroom: AISB Science Teacher Pete Stanley Shares what it was like to Walk Among Elephants
It’s easy to forget that there’s more (or less!) to science than what we learn in school. To see what it’s like to actually work as a scientist, I’ve been interviewing several of AISB’s science teachers (see past articles on Mr. Scholtes here, and Mr….
A Less-Talked-About Consequence of Covid: An Alarming Increase in Eating Disorders Among Teens
While pandemic restrictions are lifting in many parts of the world, the side effects of lockdowns and online learning remain to some extent. Almost everyone I know has struggled with some form of depression or anxiety over the last two years. And most of us…
What Makes The Perfect Cinnamon Roll? We Tested 4 Popular Recipes to Create the Ultimate Treat
Chomp. The warm, sugary dessert fills my mouth with joy. A dance between filling and dough, an intricate tango. A cinnamon roll. This fluffy treat is one everyone can enjoy: friends, family—maybe not dogs, but you get what I mean. There’s so many recipes out…
2022 Personal Project Spotlight
The “Personal Project” is an assignment that is done throughout 10th grade, the last year of MYP. According to the IB website, the longterm project is meant to formally assess students’ approaches to learning (ATL) skills to prepare for the DP. It can be overwhelming,…
Is College still worth it?
In the last two years, the pandemic has changed the college experience for students around the world. In fact, most of AISB’s Class of 2020 had their freshman year online, as did most of 2021. Even with universities returning to in-person learning, many high school…
Teenagers aren’t reading for pleasure anymore, but we should be
Growing up causes a lot of changes in our lives. We get more responsibilities, more homework, and we become busier overall. Because of this, many of us stop doing some of the things we used to enjoy—like reading. And while this may not seem like…
Why is Romania such an underrated travel destination?
The number of tourist arrivals in Romania during 2019 (pre-pandemic) was just over 13 million. Hungary, its neighboring country, received 61 million during the same time period. Romania is home to historically rich architecture, jaw-dropping landscapes, and gorgeous cities. It’s less expensive than most European…
From Field Investigations to the Classroom: AISB Science Teacher Byron Farrow Shares Practical Experience in Astrophysics
It’s easy to forget that there’s more (or less!) to science than what we learn in school. To see what it’s like to actually work as a scientist, I’ve been interviewing several of AISB’s science teachers. Continuing on from Mr. Scholtes, Mr. Byron Farrow, a…
How to Make High School the Best Years of Your Life: AISB Teachers Reflect On What They Would’ve Done Differently
As teenagers, we often hear that “high school is the best time of your life.” (Along with “you’re never gonna be this young again”, “enjoy your youth”, and other “encouraging” phrases thrown around by adults.) But, according to several AISB teachers, this may not necessarily…
Romania’s Infamous Stray Dog Situation: Service Group PAWS and NGOs Discuss Potential Solutions
For decades, Romania has had a complicated relationship with stray animals. Starting during communist rule, citizens were forced to abandon their dogs and move into apartment blocks. And from there, the population of street dogs grew and grew—until there was a campaign to euthanize the…
AISB Service Group Spotlight: The Social Justice Council
As part of a series highlighting AISB service learning groups, the Social Justice Council shares the work they’ve been doing during the last two pandemic years— with a focus on generating awareness of topics related to social justice and practicing their skills to advocate for…
20 Gift Ideas for Teenagers (from a teenager)
With the holidays right around the corner, parents and friends are always in search of the right present to gift to their teenage kids or peers. Gift-giving is truly a struggle, but when done well, the act can create stronger relationships. Why gift-giving is an…
Celebrating Young Writers: Media Campaigns Launched By 5th Graders
AISB’s prospering journalism program is the result of Jennifer Stevens’ arrival to AISB in 2017, wherein she started the school’s widely known high school newspaper, The Bite. Over the last four-and-a-half years, the once elective class for 9th and 10th graders has become a publishing…
AISB Scholarships: How changing schools could change the direction of your life
Since 1999, AISB has been awarding Romanian public school students scholarships to attend AISB for their high school careers. These scholarships cover the tuition for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 as well as transportation, lunches and supplies such as laptops. Catalina Gardescu, Manager of…
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: The Hidden Struggle
As a student with the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I wanted to write a piece about it. I felt it was important to make people aware of the unseen struggles of ADHD, explain what it is, and how to help. First, let’s…
An Insight Into AISB’S Student Coaching Program
It’s 16:15 and students have gathered on the multipurpose court, letting out their energy, working on the drills I’ve organized for them. It may sound like I am a teacher, but in fact I am a 10th grade student. I’m one of several students who…
The ultimate guide to cupcakes from AISB’s newest baker/teacher, Sebastian Olivares
Despite starting this year off in-person, you still might not have gotten to know our wonderful new EAL teacher, Sebastian Olivares (known to students as “Mr. Seba”). He comes to AISB from Chile, where he grew up learning to make authentic Chilean baked goods, and…
Bucharest’s run-down buildings: the silent testimony of decades of neglect
On the cramped side streets leading to Piața Revoluției (Revolution Square), crumbling townhouses stand timidly—with peeling paint, rooftops that are covered in rust; windows either missing or shattered. But if you look long enough, elegant Parisian columns and expertly crafted wooden window frames reveal themselves,…
How Competitive Sports Shaped AISB’s PE Teachers
Have you ever wondered what our PE teachers did before coaching us? What experiences shaped them into the encouraging and compassionate coaches they are today? Well, it turns out our secondary coaches have pretty impressive and interesting pasts. And here, Ms. Vera, Mr. Kavun, Mr….
A Teenager’s Guide to Redecorating Your Room
Since the pandemic began, our bedrooms have become incredibly important. During periods of online learning, these spaces have become our classrooms and cafeterias—and still the places we lie our heads at night. Because of this, it’s important to make our bedrooms as comfortable as possible,…
When did dressing up for Halloween become uncool? The psychology behind social pressure and societal expectations
Everyone says that Halloween is that one time of the year where you can dress up however you want and no one will judge you. But unfortunately for many adolescents, social pressure and expectations get in the way. This is in large part due to…
AISB Teacher Spotlight: Aliza Robinson on Growing Up in Las Vegas and Finding Home in Bucharest
The AISB community knows Ms. Aliza Robinson for her bubbly personality and love of Shakespeare, but there’s much more to learn about her. From growing up in Las Vegas, eventually working as a blackjack dealer at her father’s casino, to moving all around the world,…
From the Lab to the Classroom: AISB Science Teacher Luke Scholtes Shares Past Work Experiences
It’s easy to forget that there’s more (or less!) to science than what we learn in school. To see what it’s like to actually work as a scientist, I interviewed several of AISB’s science teachers, the first being Luke Scholtes. Hands-On (Soil) Experience Scholtes’ thirteen-year-long…
Four AISB Students Receive MYP Innovators’ Grants to Fund Passion Projects
Two AISB student groups have been awarded the prestigious MYP Innovators’ Grant—a recognition given to only 30 students worldwide. This grant will support the development of a device to filter microplastics and a platform to fight for the ethical treatment of animals. AISB’s MYP Coordinator…
Social Media Through the Eyes of a Teenager: ‘We know it’s bad for us but we can’t give it up’
Social media: the modern-day beauty pageant, today’s version of a worldwide popularity contest. A typical Gen Z, I was introduced to Instagram early: at age eight. My parents had given me a touch-screen iPod and a small Samsung phone so I could call home when…
AISB Teacher Spotlight: Jennifer Lawless’ life as a TCK, improviser, and international teacher
Most of us know Mrs. Jennifer Lawless as the jovial high school drama teacher—humorous and compassionate to all students who cross her path. But she’s also a person who grew up around the globe, found love in an improv acting class, and started a family….
A Q&A with AISB’s New Secondary Staff Members
Despite travel restrictions, closed borders, and general pandemic exhaustion, 13 new secondary teachers still made it to AISB for the 2021-22 school year. Here’s a little about each of them, along with their pictures, so you know what they look like beneath their masks. Hanan…
5 New LGBTQ+ Books to Check Out for AISB’s Ally Week
AISB librarian Cristina Cuzuc has continued to add more LGBTQ+ titles to our library collections this year, and has recently created an Ally Week display in the secondary library (shown above). “Whenever we read books, we identify with the characters, make our own connections with…
The Evolution of Romania’s Orphanages: How NGOs are fighting against a history of institutionalization
March 1990, Cighid Orphanage in Romania. A squeaking wood door opens to a dark room with no source of natural light. Inside, in only a few squared meters of space, a dozen of small children are folded up on rotting bed frames with no mattresses….
Class of 2020: Where are they now? Part 3
Throughout the year, we’ve been checking in on last year’s graduating seniors, to see what they’ve been up to during this crazy year. For this edition, we interview Omotoyosi Ariyo from Manchester, Kaitlyn Weddle from New Mexico, and Seongjin Kim from Incheon, South Korea. Omotoyosi…
AISB Teacher Spotlight: From Small Town to Big Adventures, Charles Adams (aka ‘Mr. Chuck’) Shares his Life
Thirty-six-year-old Charles Adams, known as “Mr. Chuck” to students, has gotten to travel the world and experience different traditions and cultures. Now, Adams shares some of these experiences that have shaped him as a teacher and led him to AISB. Growing Up in Oregon Adams…
America’s Gun Control Debate: AISB Teachers Weigh In
In 2020 alone, nearly 20,000 Americans lost their lives to gun violence. An additional 24,000 died by suicide with a firearm. These statistics are startling; but for many, not surprising. Known for having “the weakest gun laws and the most guns of any comparable nation,”…
A Look at AISB’s Top 5 CCAs during Distance Learning
Distance learning has been difficult for most of us and has changed many things about how we learn and interact with our community. As a way to counteract some of the negative consequences to being online, AISB leadership has prioritized Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), or “passion…
AISB Teacher Spotlight: Laurie Clemens on her life as a pilot and finding passion through teaching
Laurie Clemens has been a 6th and 7th grade science teacher at AISB for three years. What most people don’t know is that her working career actually started in the air, as a small airline pilot for tourists. Now the tourist herself, she thrives on…
A Look Back at the Romanian Revolution: Could the Same Thing Happen in Russia?
In January, an estimated 40,000 people gathered in the streets of central Moscow, protesting against the jailing of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny. In te months since, thousands of demonstrators have been arrested by riot police, and Navalny went on a 24-day hunger strike—only fueling…
‘I thought we were going to die’: AISB Teacher Delia Țugui shares her personal experience from the Colectiv nightclub fire
This article is part of a series, meant to bring attention to the Oscar-nominated Romanian documentary ‘Collective.’ As we approach the Academy Awards on April 26th, we hope this story will encourage more people to view the film and demand change. From age four, AISB…
AISB Service Group Spotlight: Kiva
As part of a series highlighting AISB service learning groups, students from Kiva share the work they’ve been doing during this pandemic year—with a focus on helping women succeed in business. What is Kiva? Kiva is a US-based nonprofit organization that helps link underserved communities…
AISB Teacher Spotlight: Alma Hadzic talks about her life as a Third Culture Kid
As she lived around the world as a “third culture kid,” AISB Design Teacher Alma Hadzic saw her country fall apart on the news: a result of a three-year long devastating war. She questioned her identity, all from a distance. Her experiences from abroad, and…
Hidden Plastics: How Identification and Reduction Could Improve our Community’s Recycling Efforts
We’ve all heard about how plastics cause damage to the environment. But what about those items that contain hidden plastic? According to AISB’s Global Issues Network (GIN) service group members, this is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. “We have to start looking…
Staying Fit from Home: Workouts and App Recommendations from the AISB Community
It can be challenging to motivate yourself to stay active from home. Since we can’t go to the gym or participate in school sports, working out can get boring fast. To find some motivation, we reached out to some active AISB students and teachers to…
AISB Teacher Spotlight: Ryan Wahrenbrock & His Passion for Jewelry Making
If you’re a secondary student, you may not know third grade teacher Ryan Wahrenbrock. But after reading this story, you’ll want to seek him out—or maybe even join his jewelry-making CCA. The Beginning: Life in Rural Nevada Ryan Wahrenbrock grew up in Elko, a small…
‘Collective’ Director Alexander Nanau on Romania’s systemic corruption and what an Oscar would bring to the country
In November 2015, more than 25,000 protesters flooded Bucharest’s streets—the largest demonstration since the fall of communism in 1989. “Corruption kills!” they shouted. “Health for all, not just the rich!” “Reset Romania!” Their words echoed throughout Piața Victoriei, full of pain, grieving for the 27…
The Beginning of the End: A Look at Romania’s COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout
In mid-December, Romanian authorities announced that the country would start its vaccination rollout on the 27th—giving us hope that all the glitchy Zoom classes, Netflix binge marathons, and social distancing would finally come to an end. So far, distribution has been going quite well by…
Class of 2020 Q&As: Where are they now? Part 2
A couple months ago, we released the first installment of a series of Q&As with last year’s graduating class. In this edition, we interview Gaya Mor from Israel, Angelo Cravario in Spain, and Oliver Szavuj, who is taking a gap year in Romania. Gaya Mor,…
AISB Teacher Spotlight: The Many Lives of Kirk McDavitt (aka “Captain”)
Lovingly referred to as “Captain” by his middle school English students, Kirk McDavitt is known for being “the cool teacher.” But it turns out, he’s even cooler than we thought. From baking, to firefighting, to writing a novel, McDavitt reveals some of his past jobs…
Photo Essay: Bucharest During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of life. Almost one year ago, schools were quickly closed, workplaces shut down, and people hid in their homes. But all the while, efforts to combat the virus’ outbreak have never ceased, and people have found new ways…
Teachers Talk: The 6 Most Annoying Things Students do During Distance Learning
Distance learning has been difficult for all of us students at AISB, but teachers have had struggles of their own. And now that school is partially reopening, we wanted to take a look back at these struggles in a more light-hearted way, by asking teachers…
2020 in Review: A look at what happened at The Bite during this crazy year
This year has not been easy. We’ve experienced lockdowns, school shutdowns, way too much Zoom time, and canceled flights. Many of us have missed out on celebrations and time with family; we’ve worried about the health of our loved ones. To put it lightly: we…
Class of 2020: Where are they now?
It’s been a few months since last year’s seniors virtually celebrated the end to a very strange and challenging year. And, unfortunately, things haven’t much easier for the Class of 2020. Whether they chose to start university or take a gap year, nothing has been…
How to Celebrate this Year’s Harvest Festival at Home: Recipes from AISB’s 8.4B Class
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences that go with it, the traditional Harvest Festival at AISB will not physically take place. However, it would be a shame not to celebrate this event that transmits important values such as sharing and cultural identity. Therefore,…
Three Virtual Random Acts of Kindness to try this Thanksgiving Week
Kindness is one of those things that can make someone’s day—even if it’s through a computer. In this world of screens and Zoom classes, it can be hard to truly connect with others. Luckily, this article will show you three different ways to spread kindness…
5 Tips for Productive Distance Learning
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, students are still required to do distance learning. And while this works great for some of us, for a large majority of the students, this negatively affects our productivity as well as our grades. A way to prevent this from…
Moving from Portland to Romania: AISB Teacher Tyson Lazzaro Looks Back on the Tumultuous Last Few Months
When George Floyd was killed on May 25th this year, people took to the streets all around the world demanding justice. In Portland, Oregon in particular, protests continued for months, and some demonstrations turned violent. Eventually, federal agents were sent to the city, causing even…
5 Easy Pantry Recipes Anyone Can Make At Home
When quarantine started back in March, everyone had to find a few hobbies to keep themselves busy. A popular one was baking and cooking. Below are some fun recipes we collected during that time, both sweet and savory, that you can try making with (or…
Halloween Book Recommendations: Top Picks from AISB’s Librarian
We sat down with AISB’s librarian, Cristina Cuzuc, and asked her to choose the library’s best horror stories to read this Halloween. If you’re interested in checking out these books, send her an email (ccuzuc@goaisb.ro) with your requests, then she’ll let you know when they’re…
5 Easy Ways to ‘Halloween-ify’ your Baked Goods
Halloween is finally on a Saturday this year, but unfortunately, we won’t be able to make the most of it. Well, that is, we won’t be able to celebrate in the way of parties or trick-or-treating. What we can do, however, is get creative in…
It’s LGBTQ History Month. Here’s how Romania has Played a Part
It all started in October 1994, when Professor Rodney Wilson came out to his history class. He was teaching students about the Holocaust, and mentioned that if he had lived in Germany during World War II, he would have likely been imprisoned by the Nazis…
Moving During a Global Pandemic: Our New Secondary Principal’s Experience
Under his mask, facial expression hidden, AISB’s new principal Viktor Novakovski recounts his experience of moving to Romania this summer. “It was very difficult at first because you can’t remember people’s faces,” he says. “You only are going on a third of what’s visible, [so]…
A Q&A with AISB’s New Secondary Teachers
It’s already October, and most of us have no clue who all the new teachers are. So, while online introductions are never the same as in-person, it’s the best we can do right now. Here’s our attempt at introducing the new secondary faculty to the…
Remembering 9/11: AISB Teacher Sean Whitney Shares His First-hand Account
The traumatic events that happened on September 11th, 2001 left permanent scars on millions of people in the United States and around the world. Sean Whitney, Learning Support Teacher at AISB, was directly involved in documenting the tragedy. Whitney moved to New York City in…
Top 5 Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Pandemic
“Self care” has been a pretty big buzz word this year–especially during periods where social distancing measures have been strictly enforced. And now that we’re back to distance learning, on the computer screen all day, and mostly trapped at home with our parents and siblings,…
From Point A to Point B: The Effects of Moving Abroad
In this fast-paced international bubble, it may seem like everything is changing all the time–and for most of us, it is. We’re constantly saying goodbye to friends and saying hello to new teachers; moving to new countries and learning new languages. And while most people…
Don’t worry, we’re going to make it: 5 pandemics that humans survived before COVID-19
Last March, when we first moved to distance learning, none of us would have dreamed we’d still be learning over Zoom come August. But here we are. The pandemic has prevented us from seeing friends and family; many of us weren’t able to travel this…
A Farewell to AISB’s Departing Staff Members
With the end of the school year around the corner, everyone is preparing for change. And even though our community is somewhat used to that, the current pandemic makes saying “goodbye” to this year’s leaving staff especially difficult. To get some sense of closure, The…
Moving Overseas During COVID-19: A Personal Narrative from The Bite’s Managing Editor
It was the summer of 2013 when I arrived at Otopeni airport for the first time. I was too young to worry much about anything, and was excited and curious about everything–about what life would be like on the other side of the globe. Seven…
Saying Goodbye to Departing Bite Staff Members
It’s the end of the school year at AISB and many teachers and students are returning home or leaving for a new school this summer. It’s that time of year filled with both grief and joy, celebrating accomplishments, and remembering all the beautiful moments you…
Black Lives Matter: An Open Letter to the AISB Community
Dear AISB students, parents, and teachers, Even though I technically graduated from AISB on Saturday, and was free to walk away, to stop working, stop writing, I felt the need to say something other than “farewell and good luck” via Zoom. With protests going on…
Can you really gain closure with an online goodbye?
As a student who has moved around her whole life, I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to say goodbye to friends. Will it be even worse when we have to do it online? “Transitions are events of significant change,” says G9…
#Dronestagram: A Glimpse into AISB Music Teacher Thomas O’Grady’s Passion for Photography
“I think this is a good time to reveal that the Instagram account under the username @tjogr is me,” Thomas O’Grady says with a mischievous smile. He shyly opens his phone and scrolls through his page, full of drone shots of the Hong Kong skyline,…
The Other Pandemic: Fake News. Here’s How to Spot it & Where to Find Legit Information
Ever since the early 19th century, newspapers (and now news outlets of all kinds) have been publishing fake news to gain viewers and become profitable. Now, due to social media consumption, researchers have found that false news spreads “significantly farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly…
Find out what AISB’s Teachers Have Been Baking in Quarantine
For the last few months, baking seems to be the new pastime for people in quarantine. In fact, the hashtag #quarantinebaking has gone viral. Perhaps it’s the mindfulness people achieve while in the kitchen, or maybe it’s that we’re all needing some comfort food during…
The Effects of Quarantine on the LGBTQ+ Community
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the majority of the world to stay at home and limit contact with others. For many LGBTQ+ people, these measures have placed them in dangerous situations and exacerbated the hardships they already face. Mental illness, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse…
What it’s like Graduating during a Global Pandemic
Today, May 29th 2020, was meant to be one of the happiest days of my life: high school graduation. A day to celebrate 12 years of hard work. The beginning of a new chapter. A milestone. Yet, today seems like just another day. (Well, not…
Not the Class of 2020: Senior Pictures from AISB’s Secondary Faculty
The senior class of 2020 has had a year like no other. IB exams canceled, no prom to look forward to, a possible Zoom graduation, and an uncertain start to their future. In support of this year’s seniors, AISB’s secondary teachers rifled through old yearbooks…
Top Things to Do/Watch/Read when you’re stuck inside
After socially distancing for nearly two months, it’s safe to say that most of us are sick of being inside our homes. Unfortunately, even with restrictions beginning to ease this Friday, it’s still going to be a long time until things are back to normal….