Juniors and seniors enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program gathered together on Friday, Sept. 1 for an ice cream social. Students were encouraged to get to know their IB sibling and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) advisor while enjoying a sweet treat.

The event helped juniors to transition from being in Pre-IB, and covered important aspects of IB such as CAS projects. Students also previewed t-shirt designs and played icebreaker activities.

“IBSO [International Baccalaureate Student Organization] wanted to hold the ice cream social so that juniors and seniors have the chance to bond and find their sibling, which is basically a person that they will care for, stand up for, and support,” IBSO Historian Julia Pollard-Grayson said. “It’s just a chance for them to get to know each other, meet each other, and meet their CAS adviser who will supervise them during their IB experience.”

During the event, students formed groups based on their CAS adviser, a teacher that supervises the non-academic aspect of a student’s IB experience. IB siblings were assigned based on CAS group, so through talking and playing games with their groups, students were able to familiarize themselves with both their siblings and their adviser.

“It’s just really cool that we could meet other [IB students],” Ekaterina Raleigh ‘19 said. “I like how it’s so tight-knit and everyone can socialize together. Even though it’s hard, we all know it’s hard and we can bond over it and they can help us out.”

Seniors also appreciated the opportunity to gather and build community spirit.

“I think we’re trying to show that IB isn’t just hard classes and homework, there’s a sense of belonging to it,” Terrence Klock ‘18 said. “We’re kinda bound together through this different schooling, and because of that we can relate to each other in a different way than most people can.”

By organizing the ice cream social, IBSO was able to continue a long-standing tradition and communicate information about the program in an engaging manner, as well as encouraging a welcoming atmosphere in the organization.

“I want [juniors] to come to IB knowing that this is an open community, we want you here, everyone is accepted and this is going to be a really fun experience that you should join in,” Pollard-Grayson said.