- Schoolwide (grades P1-12)
Our Annual Events by Month
To see specific event dates, check out our ONLINE Calendar page.
August
Back-to-School Event and New Families Orientation
The afternoon before our first day of school, we hold a Back-to-School Event for new and returning ICSB families. It provides an opportunity for students and parents to meet teachers and school leaders, become familiar with the school building, get schedules and locker keys (Grades 6-12 only), and interact with school staff about technology support, business office issues, sports opportunities, and the library. Parents can also meet our Parent School Association (PSA) members and sign up for volunteer opportunities.
September
Picture Days
There are two days in mid-September called “Picture Days” when the school photographer takes a portrait photo of your child, as well as a class photo of your child's class. (Please remember to have your child dress appropriately as their lower body will be in the class photo.) We send out detailed information in the ICSB Weekly (the school newsletter) about which day your child would have their school picture taken.
You will have the opportunity to order your own prints of the portrait and class photos. Both the portrait and the class photos will be used in the school yearbook that your child will receive at the end of the school year.
See You at the Pole
The 4th Wednesday in September is "See You at the Pole" around the world. Each year Christian students gather around the school flag pole to worship and pray. ICSB has been participating in SYATP for over 20 years! Our students gather on the ICSB campus to pray for our ICSB community, Diósd, Hungary, and beyond.
ICSB House Kick-off
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.
The House Kick-off Event starts the year with a great outdoor time of team-building games and fun.
September/October
Coffees with the Leadership
The Parent-School Association (PSA) hosts coffee times with each principal and the director each semester. These coffee times are informal occasions for feedback, questions, or just getting to know one another. The exact dates are sent out in the ICSB Weekly.
October
Middle Grades and Upper School Retreats
The retreats are a great opportunity for students to get to know one another better and to bond over team-building exercises, fun activities, and deep conversations.
- Middle Grades students take a 2-day overnight trip to the Word of Life Bible Institute in Tóalmás and stay on campus on the grounds of the beautiful Andrássy-castle.
- Upper School students take a 3-day overnight trip to the Calvary Chapel Conference Center in Vajta and stay at the beautiful Zichy Castle.
Attending the retreat is expected. They are scheduled for weekdays and are counted as school days.
November
Middle Grades Musical
The Middle Grades Musical is a great tradition at ICSB. The students prepare for many weeks. The musical is performed twice, on a Friday and a Saturday night, sometime in mid-November. The performances are open to the community. Ticket sales start one week before the show. Details are sent out in the ICSB Weekly.
December
International Festival (hosted by the PSA and school families)
This is an annual celebration of the international community that makes ICSB. It builds a greater education and appreciation of the many different countries represented at ICSB. Plan to join us for a "Christmas Around the World" in early December. The exact date and information on how you can participate will be in the ICSB Weekly.
Christmas Concerts and Celebrations
The week before our Christmas holiday break the Early Grades, Middle Grades and Upper School will hold musical Christmas programs and holiday celebrations. The celebrations are usually on the last day of school before the break. Exact dates and information on how you can help are sent out in the ICSB Weekly.
January
Middle Grades and Upper School End-of-Semester Exams
The Middle Grades and Upper School students have end-of-semester exams or evaluations in mid-January. Middle Grades students typically have exams or projects to finalize their semester work. Each grade’s evaluations are unique. Upper School students are evaluated on their core subjects by exam on the last three days of the first semester. Specific details and schedules are communicated to the students through Microsoft Teams.
February
Bulldog Week
This is a spirited week leading up to the Winter Classic event. Students and staff dress up according to different themes each day. Themes are announced ahead of time in the ICSB Weekly. Some examples from the past include Superhero Day, Crazy Hair Day, Pajama Day, Twin Day, etc. Thursday is Bulldog Green Day!
Winter Classic
ICSB’s 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 event with other international schools' teams participating. It is a wonderful way to build community and get to know students, staff, and parents from other international schools. Concessions, including American candy, are sold during the games.
Used Book Sale
Our Annual Used Book Sale takes place during the Winter Classic. Families have the chance to clear off their bookshelves at home by donating books to the library. All the donated books are organized for sale for an incredibly low price. During the sale, for every two books donated during the donation period, families are eligible to select one book for FREE. Specific hours for the sale will be published in the ICSB Weekly.
Battle of the Books
This reading competition is offered for Grades 3 – 8, with a younger division (Grades 3 – 5) and an older division (Grades 6 – 8). Students put their reading and memory skills to the test in a friendly and fun competition that encourages teamwork and a love of literature. Participants read up to 12 diverse books, spanning various genres, and come together for a competition earning points for their teams by answering questions about the books. Sign-ups are in February and the competition is on a Saturday morning at the end of April. Watch the ICSB Weekly for details.
March
Spiritual Impact Week
Spiritual Impact Week is a dedicated period 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.
April
Spring Formal for Upper School Students
Each year, the Upper School hosts a formal banquet in the spring for students to enjoy dressing up and spending time together. The students enjoy dinner, dancing, and spending time together as an Upper School community. All Upper School students are welcome to attend.
Staff Appreciation Day/Week
This 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 time is organized by the PSA (Parent-School Association). Parents who volunteer to help with this event usually bring food or help express appreciation in some other way. You can volunteer to help by filling out our Volunteer Application form.
May
Family Field Day
The whole ICSB community (students, staff, and parents) gathers at Papi Földek Városliget in Érd for a day of fun activities, sports, and games! It’s a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with other parents. Plan to come for the day. Bring a light camp chair or blanket to sit on. Many more details will be available in the ICSB Weekly.
Upper School Musical
The Upper School Musical is a rich tradition at ICSB. The students prepare for many weeks. There are two performances in mid-May (Friday and Saturday evening) open to the community. Ticket sales start one week before the show. Details are sent out in the ICSB Weekly.
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.
June
Upper School Academic Awards
The Academic Awards are a celebration of the academic accomplishments of the ICSB Upper School students. Teachers have selected students demonstrating high aptitude and high passion in the various subjects taught at ICSB and will honor them with awards on this night. All in the ICSB community are welcome to come and celebrate the accomplishments of these students.
Year-End Music and Arts Celebrations
The Early Grades, Middle Grades, and Upper School each assemble to perform music programs and display artwork from the year. Exact dates are communicated in the ICSB Weekly.
Middle Grades and Upper School End-of-Semester Exams
The Middle Grades and Upper School students have end-of-semester exams over the final three school days of the year. (Graduating seniors have a different timeline for exams.) Specific details will be provided through teachers and principals.
Graduation Ceremony for Our Seniors
Our last event of the school year is the graduation ceremony for our seniors. This momentous ceremony is held in the ICSB Gym. Families and friends of the graduates and staff are invited to attend in person, others are welcome to join us for the live stream of the event. Details are provided in the weeks prior to the event.
To see specific event dates, check out our ONLINE Calendar page.
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