The Family Journal
The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-HS

From the Principals
Dear Families:

The first two weeks of school have flown by.  Between shortened weeks and beginning of year activities, it is hard to keep track of where the time has gone. This edition of the Family Journal is filled with important updates.

Have a great weekend!

Sasha & Greg

News and Happenings

Individual Learning Plan Conferences:
ILP’s will be starting on Wednesday, September 16th. If you haven’t yet scheduled your ILP with your child’s Advisor (High School) or Homebase teacher (Middle School), you should do so as soon as possible to ensure you get a time slot that fits your needs.  All contact information (emails and phone extensions) are found on the opening page of the school’s website using the link Contact Us.

X2 Passwords:
Logins and passwords to the X2 Database will be handed out at ILP’s starting on Wednesday, September 16th.  There will be  sign-up sheet at ILPs for parents who would like some in-person training on using the database.

Standardized Testing Night: 
This important information Night for all Sophomores and Juniors will be held on  Thursday, September 17th from 6:30 – 7:30.  If you are unable to attend Standardized testing night, please email Jennifer Warren, Director of College Counseling (jwarren@innovationcharter.org).  Please feel free to print the attached flier to post at home!

College Counseling Newsletter:
The first edition of our College Counseling Newsletter is attached to this week’s Family Journal.  The Newsletter contains important information for all high school families.

Back to School Night:
Mark your calendars for Back to School Night, Thursday, October 1st, 6:00-7:30pm. 

Advisory Breakfast:
Mark your calendars for the Advisory breakfast, Thursday, September 24th 8:00-9:00.  Please sign up at ILP conferences to bring in items for the breakfast.

School Lunch
Each IACS family should have received a Lunch Packet which included the following:
User ID, Password and instructions for on-line lunch ordering
September Lunch Menu
Free and Reduced Lunch Information
Volunteer Form
If you did not receive this packet please contact karen.drake@innovationcharter.org  (978) 649-0432 x2221.

Music Extracurricular Opportunities
If you are interested in participating in music as an extracurricular activity and didn’t sign up at the Ice Cream Social, please contact Greg Orpen (gorpen@innovationcharter.org).  Andrew Rega, of The Music Academy of Chelmsford is exploring a plan to work with interested students.

General Reminders:
Athletics
All participants in IACS athletics must have a current physical form on file in the IACS Nurse’s Office BEFORE he/she can participate in any athletic activity (practices included).  Check with Mrs. Pimm in the Nurse’s Office to make sure all paperwork is turned in and up-to-date or via email at   HYPERLINK "mailto:gnutilepimm@innovationcharter.org"  gnutilepimm@innovationcharter.org

Reminders about Pickup/Dropoff
Please remember that you may drop off your child at school between 7:40 am and 7:55 am. Classes begin promptly at 8 am and students need time to unpack their belongings at their lockers. Students should not be dropped off prior to 7:40 am as staff begins their supervision of the patio area/cafeteria at that time. Please make sure you pull up beyond the signs that say “No parking/drop off” to ensure student safety.


Governor's Proposal to Lift the Cap on Charter Schools
Dear Leaders,
 The Legislature's public hearing on the Governor's proposal to lift the cap on charter schools in the lowest 10% performing district and to create Readiness Schools will be held on:
 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 @ 1:00 P.M. IN GARDNER AUDITORIUM IN THE STATE HOUSE
 As can predicted, when discussions turn to raising the cap, they also focus on the charter school funding formula.  We expect a big push from charter opponents to change the charter funding formula this fall as part of the legislative debate on the governor's bill.
 Therefore, as always, we need a large turnout of parents at the hearing.