ICSB Vocabulary (Explanation of Words/Acronyms)

 

Some words or acronyms we use at ICSB might need some explanation, so we collected them below for you.

As you navigate life at ICSB and you come across one that you don't know the meaning of and it is not listed below, please email our PSA's (Parent-School Association) Parent Liaison, Ms. Kim Rickard (krickard@icsbudapest.org) for help. 

 

Lower School

The Lower School includes the Early Grades and Middle Grades and is abbreviated as LS. 

 

Early Grades

Early Grades is Pre-1^st through 5^th grades and is abbreviated as EG. The Early Grades is part of the Lower School.

 

Middle Grades

Early Grades is 6^th through 8^th grades and is abbreviated as MG. The Middle Grades is part of the Lower School.

 

Upper School

Upper School is 9^th through 12^th grades and is abbreviated as UPP.

 

Freshman

A freshman is a 9^th-grader, a first-year student in our Upper School.

 

Sophomore

A sophomore is a 10^th-grader, a second-year student in our Upper School.

 

Junior

A junior is an 11^th-grader, a third-year student in our Upper School.

 

Senior

A senior is a 12^th-grader, a fourth-year graduating student in our Upper School.

 

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is the Student Information System (SIS) ICSB uses to communicate grades, attendance, and teacher comments. Financial information is also available on PowerSchool. PowerSchool has a mobile app as well, where students and parents can access most of this information. Learn more about your PowerSchool account and the mobile app.

 

MAP Testing

for Lower School and 9th/10th grades

MAP stands for Measure of Academic Progress. NWEA MAP testing is a tool that helps teachers understand your child's strengths and areas where they need help so they can provide the right kind of support for their learning journey.

MAP testing is done 2-3 times per year (fall, winter, spring), during the weeks marked on the school calendar as 'MAP testing window'. Exact testing dates per grade level are communicated through the ICSB Weekly.

Learn more about NWEA MAP Testing at ICSB.

 

DVAC

ICSB's sports teams are part of the Danube Valley Athletic Conference (DVAC), which comprises international schools from Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Our teams participate in two DVAC tournaments each season against the sports teams of these other international schools. Learn more about sports at ICSB.

 

ICSB House System

ICSB students and teachers across all grades are divided into one of four houses—Ragsdale, Young, Welsh, and Hiltibran—named for the first four directors of ICSB. This allows the students and staff across the grades to get to know each other better and to participate in fun activities, community-building events, and competitions together. Students remain in these house groups all the way through ICSB. 

 

Bulldog Week

Sometimes also referred to as Winter Classic week or tournament week, this is the week leading up to the Winter Classic. During Bulldog Week, students dress up by different themes each day. Themes are announced ahead of time in the ICSB Weekly.

Some examples from the past are:

• Superhero Day,
• Crazy Hair Day,
• Pajama Day,
• Twin Day, etc.

 

Winter Classic

Winter Classic is a schoolwide event with a fun pep rally and an invitational basketball tournament where our school community (students, parents, and staff) can cheer on our Upper School basketball teams as they compete for the Winter Classic trophy. It is a 2-day long event with other international schools' teams participating. It is a great way to build community and get to know students, staff, and parents from other international schools. 

 

Mascot

A symbol for the athletics (sports) teams. Our mascot is a bulldog. Our athletes are the ICSB Bulldogs. GO BULLDOGS!

 

Spiritual Impact Week

Spiritual Impact Week is a dedicated period of time in the spring when we focus on spiritual growth, reflection, and enrichment within the school community. This week involves a daily chapel and other activities designed to nurture the spiritual development of our students and staff. 

The ultimate aim of Spiritual Impact Week is to create an environment where students can deepen their faith, ask questions, seek guidance, and grow in their understanding of Christian principles and values. It helps foster a strong sense of community and reinforces the Christian identity of the school, aligning its educational mission with its spiritual goals.

 

Staff Appreciation Day/Week

Staff Appreciation Day/Week is a special time in the spring dedicated to recognizing and expressing gratitude to ICSB's staff members, including teachers, administrators, and support staff who contribute to the school's overall functioning and the well-being of its students. This day is organized by the PSA (Parent-School Association). Parents who volunteer to help with this event usually bring food or help express appreciation some other way. You can volunteer to help by filling out our Volunteer Application form.

 

Rummage Sale

Our annual Rummage Sale is a big garage sale that is held at the school (in the garage and some parts of our backyard/outdoor area) each May, where families can rent a spot to sell personal belongings.