Learning Spotlight:  A Penny for Your Thoughts?

At the end of May, 10th graders created "penny art" as part of a project in their American Studies class.  Students chose a topic that they had studied about during the Civil War & Reconstruction unit and created a large piece of art, primarily using pennies.  The project aimed to connect the events of the Civil War to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the impact both had on American society.  It was a product of a collaboration between Shannon Arel, Jerry Beck and Liz Nyden.  The art also serves as a commemoration of the Lincoln Bicentennial which is being celebrated all across the United States this year.  Throughout the year, 10th graders have also participated in other Lincoln-centered events and IACS has been named a Lincoln Legacy School by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. 

You can see these selected pieces from the "Penny for your Thoughts" project  and as well as many other pieces of stellar student work on display at Exhibition Night on June 24.

College Series Wrap Up

Last night we wrapped up our Spring College Series with an informative, not to mention entertaining, panel from admissions officers.  The panel included Jonathan Clark from Bentley College, Camille Brown from Middlesex Community College, Christine Bryan from UMass Lowell, and Paul Sweet from Boston College. The students and families who attended received invaluable information and advice about the college admissions process. 

Before the event, I had an opportunity to talk to all of the panelist how our school’s history, mission, and academic program are creating a different type of student that they wouldn’t see elsewhere.   It was so encouraging to see how genuinely interested and impressed all of the officers were with our school’s commitment to thinking ahead of the curve regarding skills and habits of mind we instill on our students.  One of my own personal take away message is that admissions officers not only love reading files and essays about different kinds of students, they love learning about the schools from which they come. We look forward to introducing ourselves to even more schools in the years ahead.

Special thanks to Benjamin Tarshis for organizing this college panel and doing other consultant work for our school this spring.


Important Forms for 2009-2010 School Year

Earlier this spring all current IACS families were mailed a series of forms that were to be signed and returned.  The most important of these was the Emergency Forms for next year.  Having these forms for all enrolled students is mandatory.   Please take the time to get these forms into the front office (high school students can pass into Greg or Sasha’s office) before the last day of school.   Copies of these forms can be found on our website:

http://www.innovationcharter.org/forms.php

Thank you for your support.


MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SHOW TONIGHT from 7-9PM

Come enjoy the beautiful artwork created by our students.  While you are there......
 
-Come to the concert of the IACS CHORUS.  These talented students have been practicing for months and are eager to perform for you.  The exact concert time will be posted at the art show.
 
-Visit the SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR in the Middle School Commons/Library on the 2nd floor.  It's a great chance to pick up some books to encourage summer reading!
 
-Look at the beautiful GIFT BASKETS (and wheelbarrows) and consider taking a chance on some.  IACS families have outdone themselves with the number and variety of items donated for these prizes.  You could win Guitar Hero, cookbooks, car supplies, a sleeping bag, and lots of other items.  Any of these prizes would make great gifts for grads, dads, and yourself.  The proceeds from the raffle ticket sales benefit IACS through field trips, innovative programming, and the end of year BBQ.



Summer Opportunities

Teen Life Boston http://www.teenlifeboston.com/  

This organization is a clearinghouse for summer activities/camps, vounteer work, internships etc. I talked to one of their staff members at a college fair I went to in March in Boston. If you have heard from this organization it is probably because I told them about our school! The bad news is that most of their info is for Boston and the nearby suburbs, but some of the non-profits they list have opportunities out here too. You can search on their website but they also publish books.

High School Drama Program

Did you hear that IACS High School is going to have a  Drama Program  next year…

With one…maybe two plays?  Is this too good to be true?

Find out at a meeting on  Tuesday, June 23, 3:00-4:00 in the auditorium!

Questions?  Email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org


2009-2010 Scheduling/Staffing Updates

One of the major projects that staff have been working on is revising our schedule and courses for next year.  (The school day will still have the same start/end times)   Among the major developments that have already been established:

•    We will be operating on a semester schedule (as opposed to trimesters)
•    Spanish classes will be full year courses
•    Juniors will be able to select elective courses in Art, Humanites, and Science
•    Greg Orpen will teach Chemistry in addition to maintaining his current responsibilites overseeing developement of the high school math and science program.

We continue to iron out a few remaining details of our schedule and will be getting course selection sheets (most applicable to rising juniors) before the end of the school year.


IACA News

IACA Events: Looking for a way to get involved and meet other parents at the school?  Participate in some of the following upcoming events sponsored by the IACA.

•    Scholastic Book Fair:  Contact Janet Morris (janetmorris1@comcast.net)
•    End of Year Barbecue:  Contact Kerry Wellenstein (wellensteins@comcast.net)

Art Show/Exhibition Night  “Basket” Raffles!!!!!!!!!!!


Lunch Orders

June Lunch Menus are now available online.  Below is the link to place your order:
 
https://secure.orderhotlunch.com/605/(3suv1cr4lriv0n55ls2vbxbh)/wfLogin.aspx?Customer=MA_Tyngsboro_InnovationCharter

Box Tops for Education

All high school families are encouraged to send in Box Tops found on the cartons of many boxes of cereal, granola bars, etc.   It is an easy way to raise money for our school.  You high school student can drop them off at Mr. Orpen’s office at any time.


Important Upcoming Dates:

6/12:          End of Trimester 3
6/15- 6/19:       High School Endersession
6/23:         High School Drama Information Session 3-4 pm (Auditorium)
6/24:                 High School Exhibition Night
6/26:          Last Day of School/ End of Year Barbeque
        Contact Kerry Wellenstein to help: wellensteins@comcast.net