The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

November 20th, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

One of the best parts of working in a school is the number of opportunities I have each year to reflect on where I am, how I am doing, and what I need to do to move myself in the direction that I want to go to achieve my goals.  The end of each academic quarter provides a natural break and new beginning to do this, and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday will provide some space and distance.  With assessments coming out next week, I encourage you to find some time with your student to look at his/her grades and comments and reflect on what next steps he/she needs to take to move forward.  If you feel that arranging a meeting with your child’s principal or a particular teacher will help this process of moving forward, please reach out to us to do this.  It is our goal at assessment time to present students with information about where they are right now so that they are able to move forward to find increased success in the upcoming quarter.

 

If students have experienced significant academic challenges during the first quarter, and they are placed on academic probation, we will be reaching out to you to arrange meetings so that we can work together to plan interventions for a more successful second quarter. 

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Kathleen Seward

 

News and Happenings

 

 

Half Day: Wednesday, November 25^th 12:15 Dismissal

Thanksgiving break begins 11/25 at 12:15. Return to school Monday 11/30.

 

Quality Night Dates:

Quality Night will run from 5:45-7:00 on the following nights:

December 2:  5/6 students

December 8: 7/8 Self-Direction Team (Homebases O’Connor, Russell, Brinker, Gates)

December 10: 7/8 Problem Solving Team (Homebases Pasteur, Parks, Winfrey, Copernicus)

 

Quality Night is an opportunity for students to present some of their best work to an audience of parent and other community members.  Your presence is needed to make the event a success.  While your child is presenting his/her work, you will be listening to the presentations of other students and giving them some feedback.  We look forward to seeing you at these exciting nights. 

 

 

 

Sexual Health Unit: In preparation for the Sexual Health unit, all 8th grade students and 5/6 students from homebases Salk, Barton, Rowling and Keller were given the Sexual Health Parent Permission Form this week in classes.  The form outlines the curriculum for each grade and discusses the overall Sexual Health Program.  If you would like to exempt your child from the unit, you may do so by signing the form and returning it to Tina in the main office by Monday November 23rd.

 

 

 

 

Recycle for $$ for IACS!

3 ways to recycle…Ink/Toner Cartridges, Cell Phones/Laptops and Paper

Dear IACS Parents & Students:

Recycle Ink & Toner Cartridges

The IACS Green Team has teamed with Cartridge World, Bedford, MA to turn your recycled Ink and Toner Cartridges into cash for our school! There will be Cartridge World recycle bins at the Middle School and High School entrances. Please place your ink/toner cartridges (any size) in these bins

 

Does your workplace have a recycling program?? If not, ask them to donate their used ink/toner cartridges to the program….we would love to get local businesses involved!

Recycle Cell Phones & Laptops

 

                                

You can also recycle used cell phones and laptops. You can put your used cell phones in the green recycle bin in the Middle School and High School entrances.

If you have a laptop you would like to recycle, you can drop it off with Tina at the middle school front office.

Recycling Paper

Send in your used newspapers & used paper (no cardboard or phonebooks please) and place them in the huge yellow and green Abitibi Paper Recycling Dumpster located in the back corner of the High School parking lot.

 

Remember, everything you recycle….cartridges, cell phones, lap-tops or paper, means dollars for our school!

 

For more information or if you need assistance in getting your recycling to the school, email Annie Accettullo, candystp@yahoo.com or Kellie Burtch, kburtch@innovationcharter.org

 

IACS Gear is Here!!!

Dress cozy in our new IACS gear. IACS sweatshirts and sweatpants are now available! See the attached IACS gear order form.

 

Picture Retake day is Monday, November 30^th

See the attached flyer from last weeks Connection for details and info.

Morning Drop-Off: Students can be dropped off at the school beginning at 7:40 each morning.  There is no supervision before this time, and students will not be allowed into the building before 7:40.  Please help us keep students safe and supervised by honoring this drop-off time. 

Cold Weather: The cold weather is coming. Please be sure to send your child to school dressed appropriately with coats (and hats and mittens when necessary). Please remember students are not allowed in the building until 7:40 am and will continue to go outside for recess.

 

Lost and Found: Our lost and found is growing! Please stop in and check it out to see if any of your belongings have been misplaced and are here. The lost and found is located in the Middle School Commons

 

 

 Come on, the Contest has Already Started!

Coats for Kids wants you to donate coats to help people in need, both kids and adults.  It is a contest with other middle and elementary schools.  The drive begins immediately and ends on January 9, 2010.  There are prizes for the winning school, too.  One of the prizes last year was tickets to the IMAX Theater.  The coats will be cleaned by Anton’s Cleaners.  Please donate winter coats with no rips, holes, tears or stains.  Donations can be put on the coat rack that is located on the second floor of the middle school in front of the teachers’ mailboxes. If you have any questions, be sure to speak to a member of HB Edelman. Thank you for your donations!    

 

High School Service Culture Committee:
We are reaching out to our community of parents for an upcoming Service Day on February 25, 2009. We would love all suggestions and/or support to help us make this day a success.

What we need:
•    A keynote speaker –someone who is involved in non-profit service based work.
•    At least 6-10 places where groups of our high school students can volunteer and therefore also establish long-term relationships for further service opportunities in the Greater Lowell area.
•    Parent chaperones
•    A panel of people who have done long-term service projects. Ideally, we would love the panel to be a combination of teaching staff and parents

If you are interested in helping us make this day a success, please contact Ryan Ferdinand (rferdinand@innovationcharter.org), Oliver Renau (orenau@innovationcharter.org) or Emily Porter (eporter@innovationcharter.org). Thank you!

 

Holiday Gift Cards:

IACA is happy to announce the gift cards are back! Gift cards are sold at face value (no additional cost to you) and IACA receives a percentage of sales from the retailers. Categories include: Books & Music, Clothing & Accessories, Department Stores, Electronic & Office, Gas, Restaurants, Travel, Sporting Goods, Online & Catalog, Children & Teens, Grocery, Home Décor, Health & Beauty, Home Improvement, Specialty Stores and many more! With us you can do all your shopping at once and save you many trips to the mall! Please see the attached flyer and order form for information on this terrific program. If you would like to see a complete list of hundreds of available retailers – please visit glscrip.com. If you have any questions, please contact Nichole Young at nyoung@innovationcharter.com. You can place as many orders as you need. Family and friends are welcome to order too. Thank you for your support and happy shopping!

 Program dates:

Order by Wednesday, November 11th - receive Wednesday, November 25th

Order by Wednesday, November 18th - receive Friday, December 4th

Order by Wednesday, December 2nd - receive Friday, December 18th

 

Athletics Information:

For all new and updated information regarding athletics, please refer to our Athletics webpage.

 

Food Drive

 The Community Volunteering High School Choice Block is conducting a food drive throughout the month of November and will be sending the donated goods to the Merrimack Valley Food Pantry, where we have been volunteering. Each week in November is dedicated to a different type of item

2nd - 6th: Canned or Boxed Food

9th - 13th: Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, diapers, shampoo, soap, etc.)

16th - 20th: Thanksgiving Related Items (stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix, gravy, etc.)

*We will accept any non-perishable food during any of the weeks above.

 

Box Tops - HOMEBASE for the HOLIDAYS:THANKS to all who submitted Box Tops already this year! Our first submission has been sent and we expect a check for $262.50! (Yes - that's 2600 Box Tops and 5 Bonus Box Tops.)  Prizes have been placed in homebase mailboxes for distribution to students who participated in this individual contest. I've heard from several folks who were waiting for a HOMEBASE (or Advisory) Contest - SO HERE IT IS!  Box Tops HOMEBASE for the HOLIDAYS collection is ON!  Be sure to include your HOMEBASE (or Advisory) NAME with all Submissions in November and December.  On December 18th, we'll tally up the totals and award a HOLIDAY TREAT to the HOMEBASE and the ADVISORY who collected the MOST.  Bragging rights and homebase spirit are ON THE LINE!  A collection box is located on the table by the door just inside the cafeteria. Planning on doing any ONLINE SHOPPING for the Holidays???  PLEASE Register at BTFE.COM to support Innovation Academy and then start your shopping there.  A portion of purchases from participating merchants will be AUTOMATICALLY added to our funds.  No coupons to clip, submission forms to send, or receipts to track.  Just register and then start your shopping from BTFE and you'll be supporting the school in a BIG WAY!

Happy Holidays from your Box Tops Coordinator!

Kate Conran

978-244-1244

kateconran@hotmail.com

 

It's Getting COLD...but the high school cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream is taking us on a warm, summer journey on the first week of December!  You and your family will not want to miss this hilarious Shakespeare comedy, starring our high school students!  See the attached ticket order form for more details!  There are also ticket order forms in the main lobby and on the front page of our website.  Tickets are going quickly!  Order yours today!

 

Own Your DVD of the IACS Production of A Midsummer Night's Dream!

See the attached DVD order form for details!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

November 13th, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

Today is the last day of the first quarter. Students have been working hard to finish up the quarter on a strong note and complete end-of-unit projects. On Monday, students will transition to begin new units and new classes, such as switching from Science to Social Studies project or vice versa. Tuesday brings our first Quality Night prep day. Students have recently selected a Quarter 1 project to present for our first Quality Night of the year. On Tuesday, they will work to make revisions, prepare a presentation, and display the work. Please remind your child to come to school prepared with art supplies, note cards, and a poster board or other method of displaying their work and to use their work time efficiently, so that they are well-prepared and polished for their first Quality Night. Please make sure the dates are on calendar at home, as attendance is mandatory. They are notes on our school calendar.

 

The IACS Class of 2027 grows! Sarah Goucher, our Math Enrichment teacher, delivered twins this week. Abby Sue Goucher was born 11/09/2009 at 9:28pm, 18 inches, 5 lb 3 oz.

Ryan Stewart Goucher was born at 9:29pm, 19.5 inches, 5 lb 11 oz. Both Sarah and the babies are doing well.

 

Enjoy the weekend.

 

Best,

 

Melissa Kapeckas

5/6 Acting Middle School Principal

 

News and Happenings

 

Half Day: Tuesday, November 17^th 12:15 Dismissal

 

IACS Gear is Here!!!

Dress cozy in our new IACS gear. IACS sweatshirts and sweatpants are now available! See the attached IACS gear order form.

 

Picture Retake day is Monday, November 30^th

Pictures have been sent home today with your student. See the attached flyer for picture retake details and info.

 

Movie Night Cancelled: Friday, November 13^th Movie Night has been cancelled. Please continue to read the upcoming Connections for the re-scheduled date and time. 

 

Quarter 1 comes to a close: Quarter 1 ends Friday, November 13^th.  First quarter assessments will be sent home with students on November 25^th. 

Morning Drop-Off: Students can be dropped off at the school beginning at 7:40 each morning.  There is no supervision before this time, and students will not be allowed into the building before 7:40.  Please help us keep students safe and supervised by honoring this drop-off time. 

IACA Roller Skating Party!!

Nov 17th (Early Release Day) 1:00-3:00 @ Roller Kingdom - Tyngsboro

Join your friends and family for a fun skating event! Admission is $6.00. Skates are available for rental ($3) or you can bring your own.  Hope to see you there!

Please click on the attachment from the 10/30 Connection to view the flyer.   We hope you will consider joining us not only for a fun filled afternoon but as a way to raise funds for the IACS enrichment programs.  

 

Are You Looking for a Way to Help out at IACS?

Get trained to be a substitute teacher.  We will be holding a third training session for parents/guardians who are interested in learning more about becoming a substitute teacher at IACS-MS. Parents and guardians have the choice of being paid for substituting or to use these hours as part of the expected volunteer commitment.  The training session will be held on November 19^th from 9:00-10:00 am.  Please email Kathleen Seward if you plan to attend. 

 

 Come on, the Contest has Already Started!

Coats for Kids wants you to donate coats to help people in need, both kids and adults.  It is a contest with other middle and elementary schools.  The drive begins immediately and ends on January 9, 2010.  There are prizes for the winning school, too.  One of the prizes last year was tickets to the IMAX Theater.  The coats will be cleaned by Anton’s Cleaners.  Please donate winter coats with no rips, holes, tears or stains.  Donations can be put on the coat rack that is located on the second floor of the middle school in front of the teachers’ mailboxes. If you have any questions, be sure to speak to a member of HB Edelman. Thank you for your donations!    

 

High School Service Culture Committee:
We are reaching out to our community of parents for an upcoming Service Day on February 25, 2009. We would love all suggestions or and support to help us make this day a success.

What we need:
•    A keynote speaker –someone who is involved in non-profit service based work.
•    At least 6-10 places where groups of our high school students can volunteer and therefore also establish long-term relationships for further service opportunities in the Greater Lowell area.
•    Parent chaperones
•    A panel of people who have done long-term service projects. Ideally, we would love the panel to be a combination of teaching staff and parents

If you are interested in helping us make this day a success, please contact Ryan Ferdinand (rferdinand@innovationcharter.org), Oliver Renau (orenau@innovationcharter.org) or Emily Porter (eporter@innovationcharter.org). Thank you!

 

Holiday Gift Cards:

IACA is happy to announce the gift cards are back! Gift cards are sold at face value (no additional cost to you) and IACA receives a percentage of sales from the retailers. Categories include: Books & Music, Clothing & Accessories, Department Stores, Electronic & Office, Gas, Restaurants, Travel, Sporting Goods, Online & Catalog, Children & Teens, Grocery, Home Décor, Health & Beauty, Home Improvement, Specialty Stores and many more! With us you can do all your shopping at once and save you many trips to the mall! Please see the attached flyer and order form for information on this terrific program. If you would like to see a complete list of hundreds of available retailers – please visit glscrip.com. If you have any questions, please contact Nichole Young at nyoung@innovationcharter.com You can place as many orders as you need. Family and friends are welcome to order too. Thank you for your support and happy shopping!

 Program dates:

Order by Wednesday, November 11th - receive Wednesday, November 25th

Order by Wednesday, November 18th - receive Friday, December 4th

Order by Wednesday, December 2nd - receive Friday, December 18th

 

Athletics Information:

For all new and updated information regarding athletics, please refer to our Athletics webpage.

 

Food Drive

 The Community Volunteering High School Choice Block is conducting a food drive throughout the month of November and will be sending the donated goods to the Merrimack Valley Food Pantry, where we have been volunteering. Each week in November is dedicated to a different type of item

2nd - 6th: Canned or Boxed Food

9th - 13th: Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, diapers, shampoo, soap, etc.)

16th - 20th: Thanksgiving Related Items (stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix, gravy, etc.)

*We will accept any non-perishable food during any of the weeks above.

Exciting Opportunity: The IACS development team is looking for a parent or community volunteer to help lead the development, coordination, printing and maintenance of a quarterly magazine/newsletter on all things Innovation Academy.  The magazine will be sent out to family members and a wider circle of community members (external funders and partners, grandparents/parents, alumni, etc.) and will assist us in our efforts to spread the word about the excellent work that is being done at Innovation Academy.  Ideally, the individual will have experience working with Quark XPress or a similar magazine layout program and will have experience putting together similar publications.  We are also looking for writers and individuals willing to serve as the photographer for the magazine.  Anyone interested in helping to lead this and or get involved, should contact Walter Landberg, Executive Director at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or 978-649-0432 x2217

 

No Idling Policy-Some parents have asked about our no-idling policy recently.  The purpose of our policy is to make sure we are doing all we can to provide a healthy environment for our students and school community and to help parents to follow the Massachusetts laws against unnecessary idling.  To learn more about this law, you can read a summary attached to this Connection.

 

Box Tops - HOMEBASE for the HOLIDAYS:THANKS to all who submitted Box Tops already this year! Our first submission has been sent and we expect a check for $262.50! (Yes - that's 2600 Box Tops and 5 Bonus Box Tops.)  Prizes have been placed in homebase mailboxes for distribution to students who participated in this individual contest. I've heard from several folks who were waiting for a HOMEBASE (or Advisory) Contest - SO HERE IT IS!  Box Tops HOMEBASE for the HOLIDAYS collection is ON!  Be sure to include your HOMEBASE (or Advisory) NAME with all Submissions in November and December.  On December 18th, we'll tally up the totals and award a HOLIDAY TREAT to the HOMEBASE and the ADVISORY who collected the MOST.  Bragging rights and homebase spirit are ON THE LINE!  A collection box is located on the table by the door just inside the cafeteria. Planning on doing any ONLINE SHOPPING for the Holidays???  PLEASE Register at BTFE.COM to support Innovation Academy and then start your shopping there.  A portion of purchases from participating merchants will be AUTOMATICALLY added to our funds.  No coupons to clip, submission forms to send, or receipts to track.  Just register and then start your shopping from BTFE and you'll be supporting the school in a BIG WAY!

Happy Holidays from your Box Tops Coordinator!

Kate Conran

978-244-1244

kateconran@hotmail.com

 

YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL THIS MONDAY TO BUY SPACE IN THE

HIGH SCHOOL PLAY PROGRAM! 

Do you know someone in the high school play cast or crew?  Do you own a business or know someone who does?  Do you have a message you want to share with hundreds of people?  If so, considering buying space in the "Midsummer" program!  You can purchase one line in the program for only $2!  Or, you can buy a whole page and say whatever you wish!  Please see the attached advertisement order form!

 

 

THE HIGH SCHOOL PLAY ADDS A MATINEE ON SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 5^th!

Due to demand, the high school play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will add a third performance!  The show dates and times are Friday, December 4 at 7:00pm, and Saturday, December 5 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. You and your family will not want to miss this hilarious romp through the forest with some unusual characters...including a Micheal Jackson impersonator, a Ghostbuster and Joe the Plumber!  Please see the attached ticket order form for information! 

Fairies, lovers, royalty and peasants need YOU!  Adults - please consider volunteering to help with the high school play!  Please email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org. Thank you! 

We need your hangers and plastic shopping bags!  Please consider donating these to the play!  Email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org for information!  Thank you! 

 

 

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

November 6th, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

The final days of quarter one are here.  Next Friday, November 13^th, is the last day of the quarter.  This means that next week is a final opportunity for students to complete work and make revisions to work for the first quarter.  Please take some time with your student to discuss the importance of a strong finish to the quarter.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Kathleen Seward

 

 

News and Happenings

 

IACS Gear is Here:

Dress cozy in our new IACS gear. IACS sweatshirts and sweatpants are now available! See the attached IACS gear order form.

 

High School Information Session:

All eighth grade families are invited to attend the High School Information Session on November 12th.  This event runs from 6:00 – 8:00 in the evening and will provide 8th grade families with valuable information about Innovation Academy High School.  Feel free to refer/ invite families from other schools who are interested in exploring Innovation Academy as a high school option.  Contact our Director of Admissions, Kathleen Feeney, kfeeney@innovationcharter.org, with any questions.

 

Are You Looking for a Way to Help out at IACS?

Get trained to be a substitute teacher.  We will be holding a third training session for parents/guardians who are interested in learning more about becoming a substitute teacher at IACS-MS. Parents and guardians have the choice of being paid for substituting or to use these hours as part of the expected volunteer commitment.  The training session will be held on November 19^th from 9:00-10:00 am.  Please email Kathleen Seward if you plan to attend. 

 

 Come on, the Contest has Already Started!

Coats for Kids wants you to donate coats to help people in need, both kids and adults.  It is a contest with other middle and elementary schools.  The drive begins immediately and ends on January 9, 2010.  There are prizes for the winning school, too.  One of the prizes last year was tickets to the IMAX Theater.  The coats will be cleaned by Anton’s Cleaners.  Please donate winter coats with no rips, holes, tears or stains.  Donations can be put on the coat rack that is located on the second floor of the middle school in front of the teachers’ mailboxes. If you have any questions, be sure to speak to a member of HB Edelman. Thank you for your donations!    

 

High School Service Culture Committee:
We are reaching out to our community of parents for an upcoming Service Day on February 25, 2009. We would love all suggestions or and support to help us make this day a success.

What we need:
•    A keynote speaker –someone who is involved in non-profit service based work.
•    At least 6-10 places where groups of our high school students can volunteer and therefore also establish long-term relationships for further service opportunities in the Greater Lowell area.
•    Parent chaperones
•    A panel of people who have done long-term service projects. Ideally, we would love the panel to be a combination of teaching staff and parents

If you are interested in helping us make this day a success, please contact Ryan Ferdinand (rferdinand@innovationcharter.org), Oliver Renau (orenau@innovationcharter.org) or Emily Porter (eporter@innovationcharter.org). Thank you!

 

Holiday Gift Cards:

IACA is happy to announce the gift cards are back! Gift cards are sold at face value (no additional cost to you) and IACA receives a percentage of sales from the retailers. Categories include: Books & Music, Clothing & Accessories, Department Stores, Electronic & Office, Gas, Restaurants, Travel, Sporting Goods, Online & Catalog, Children & Teens, Grocery, Home Décor, Health & Beauty, Home Improvement, Specialty Stores and many more! With us you can do all your shopping at once and save you many trips to the mall! Please see the attached flyer and order form for information on this terrific program. If you would like to see a complete list of hundreds of available retailers – please visit glscrip.com. If you have any questions, please contact Nichole Young at nyoung@innovationcharter.com You can place as many orders as you need. Family and friends are welcome to order too. Thank you for your support and happy shopping!

 Program dates:

Order by Wednesday, November 11th - receive Wednesday, November 25th

Order by Wednesday, November 18th - receive Friday, December 4th

Order by Wednesday, December 2nd - receive Friday, December 18th

 

Movie Night: Friday, November 13^th from 6:00-8:00 is movie night at IACS. We will be viewing The Princess Bride.  Admission is $5.00, and the doors will open at 5:30.  There will be snacks on sale.  This event will support the girl’s basketball team. 

 

Quarter 1 comes to a close: Quarter 1 ends Friday, November 13^th.  First quarter assessments will be sent home with students on November 25^th. 

.

 

 

IACA Roller Skating Party!!

Nov 17th (Early Release Day) 1:00-3:00 @ Roller Kingdom - Tyngsboro

Join your friends and family for a fun skating event! Admission is $6.00. Skates are available for rental ($3) or you can bring your own.  Hope to see you there!

Please click on the attachment below to view the flyer.   We hope you will consider joining us not only for a fun filled afternoon but as a way to raise funds for the IACS enrichment programs.  

 

 

IACA – Game Day Tailgate Party!!

Nov 8th Parking Lot Opens at 11:00am

Bring your WHOLE family for a tailgating party at the IACS school parking lot!  Pack your chairs, grills, footballs, soccer balls, radios, Frisbees and even your grandparents and join the fun! Grill your own food or let us cook for you!  At kickoff, everyone is invited to watch the game in the school auditorium on the BIG screen. This is a great opportunity to meet other IACA families and to hang out with our students. Volunteers are needed – please contact Janet Morris @ janetmorris1@comcast.net 

 

Athletics Information:

For all new and updated information regarding athletics, please refer to our Athletics webpage.

 

Student Services PAC meeting: Thursday November 12th 6:30-7:30 pm in the Student Services Conference Room.  The PAC purpose is to ensure that children with special needs in our school have the best school experience possible. It is about sharing information, ideas, resources and energy among school personnel and families with and without special needs children.

 

Food Drive

 The Community Volunteering High School Choice Block is conducting a food drive throughout the month of November and will be sending the donated goods to the Merrimack Valley Food Pantry, where we have been volunteering. Each week in November is dedicated to a different type of item

2nd - 6th: Canned or Boxed Food

9th - 13th: Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, diapers, shampoo, soap, etc.)

16th - 20th: Thanksgiving Related Items (stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix, gravy, etc.)

*We will accept any non-perishable food during any of the weeks above.

 

Exciting Opportunity: The IACS development team is looking for a parent or community volunteer to help lead the development, coordination, printing and maintenance of a quarterly magazine/newsletter on all things Innovation Academy.  The magazine will be sent out to family members and a wider circle of community members (external funders and partners, grandparents/parents, alumni, etc.) and will assist us in our efforts to spread the word about the excellent work that is being done at Innovation Academy.  Ideally, the individual will have experience working with Quark XPress or a similar magazine layout program and will have experience putting together similar publications.  We are also looking for writers and individuals willing to serve as the photographer for the magazine.  Anyone interested in helping to lead this and or get involved, should contact Walter Landberg, Executive Director at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or 978-649-0432 x2217

Morning Drop-Off: Students can be dropped off at the school beginning at 7:40 each morning.  There is no supervision before this time, and students will not be allowed into the building before 7:40.  Please help us keep students safe and supervised by honoring this drop-off time. 

Box Tops - HOMEBASE for the HOLIDAYS:THANKS to all who submitted Box Tops already this year! Our first submission has been sent and we expect a check for $262.50! (Yes - that's 2600 Box Tops and 5 Bonus Box Tops.)  Prizes have been placed in homebase mailboxes for distribution to students who participated in this individual contest. I've heard from several folks who were waiting for a HOMEBASE (or Advisory) Contest - SO HERE IT IS!  Box Tops HOMEBASE for the HOLIDAYS collection is ON!  Be sure to include your HOMEBASE (or Advisory) NAME with all Submissions in November and December.  On December 18th, we'll tally up the totals and award a HOLIDAY TREAT to the HOMEBASE and the ADVISORY who collected the MOST.  Bragging rights and homebase spirit are ON THE LINE!  A collection box is located on the table by the door just inside the cafeteria. Planning on doing any ONLINE SHOPPING for the Holidays???  PLEASE Register at BTFE.COM to support Innovation Academy and then start your shopping there.  A portion of purchases from participating merchants will be AUTOMATICALLY added to our funds.  No coupons to clip, submission forms to send, or receipts to track.  Just register and then start your shopping from BTFE and you'll be supporting the school in a BIG WAY!

Happy Holidays from your Box Tops Coordinator!

Kate Conran

978-244-1244

kateconran@hotmail.com

 

HIGH SCHOOL PLAY ADDS A MATINEE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5!

Due to high demand, the high school play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will add a third performance!  The show dates and times are Friday, December 4 at 7:00pm, and Saturday, December 5 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. You and your family will not want to miss this hilarious romp through the forest with some unusual characters...including a Michael Jackson impersonator, a Ghostbuster and Joe the Plumber !  Please see the attached ticket order form for information! 

 

Do you know someone in the high school play cast or crew?  Do you own a business or know someone who does?  Do you have a message you want to share with hundreds of people?  If so, considering buying space in the "Midsummer" program!  You can purchase one line in the program for only $2!  Or, you can buy a whole page and say whatever you wish!  Please see the attached advertisement order form! 

 

Fairies, lovers, royalty and peasants need YOU!  Adults - please consider volunteering to help with the high school play!  Please email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org. Thank you! 

 

We need your hangers and plastic shopping bags!  Please consider donating these to the play!  Email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org for information!  Thank you! 

 

 

 

 

 

IACS Athletics:

Access our NEW Athletics website from the Innovation Academy Charter School home-page for more information.  Click “Athletics” on the drop-down menu.

 

Come cheer on our High School Soccer Team!

HS Girls Soccer

Friday, 10/23 @ Chelmsford High School – 4:00pm

Saturday, 10/24 vs. TYS @ Bridgemeadow Fields (Tyngsboro) – 2:30pm

 

Innovation Lands in Lowell

When: Thursday Night, October 29^th 6-9 PM

Where: 22 Shattuck Street in the center of Lowell’s Historic Arts and Cultural District. Innovation Academy's Satellite Exhibition Night, curated by UMASS Lowell Art Professor Jim Coates, will showcase a range of interdisciplinary project work created by the students of IACS High School.  In addition, the event will include a special appearance by the cast members of this year’s 8th grade Spanish play, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”  This event is free and open and to the public.

For more information contact Ryan Ferdinand rferdinand@innovationcharter.org or Jerry Beck jbeck@innovationcharter.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

October 16^th, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

This week, two hundred 5/6 students along with 50 chaperones embarked upon the shores of Plymouth to explore what life was like for early settlers and the native Wampanoag tribe in Massachusetts of 1627. Students interviewed the colonists in their village at Plimoth Plantation to learn more about daily life and toured the Mayflower II, trying to imagine what that journey must have felt like to early settlers. We toured the Wampanoag homestead, observing traditional cooking and crafts. Students also interviewed a tribe member to learn more about agriculture and hunting & fishing and used our math skills to write a real-life word problem which utilized this information. Dinner was a tasty, traditional, bicultural adventure of turkey, venison sabahag, asamp (cornmeal and fruit), pompion (pumpkin dish), Shrewsbury cakes, and mint tea. 

 

Whilst diving into this historical adventure, students also made new friends and bonded over surviving the cold and sometimes rainy weather and sleeping overnight. Thank you to all teachers and families that made this enriching trip happen for the 5/6 students, and special thanks to Sara Krakauer and Katy Lianos, the trip organizers.

 

Enjoy the fruits of fall!

 

Sincerely,

Melissa Kapeckas

 

News and Happenings

Morning Drop-Off: Students can be dropped off at the school beginning at 7:40 each morning.  There is no supervision before this time, and students will not be allowed into the building before 7:40.  Please help us keep students safe and supervised by honoring this drop-off time. 

String Ensemble: Come join an after school String Ensemble:  Do you play a string instrument and would like to be a part of an ensemble?  Julia Harmon, a string teacher from Billerica, is putting together an after school string orchestra on Tuesdays.  We need all types of strings:  Violins, violas, cellos and basses and all levels of skill.  Please e-mail Julia at cellofish@yahoo.com for more information. 

TRICK-OR-TREAT with Box Tops!

 October marks the first Box Tops submission deadline for the school year - so we want to be sure we gather up ALL those box tops folks have been saving over the summer.  Send in your Box Tops to either the office or the collection box in the lunch room.  BE SURE to include your NAME AND HOMEBASE/ADVISORY with your submission.  We'll reward all contributions with a small (non-food) "treat" to recognize you for your efforts.

 Also - a reminder to register on BoxTopsForEducation.Com.  They have a terrific SHOP option that earns money for the school when you start your online shopping at BTFE.COM.  No coupons to clip, receipts to save, or refunds to submit .  Simply register, start your online shopping at BTFE, and the school will automatically recieve a percentage of your purchase in cash!

 If you have any questions or suggestions - contact Kate Conran 978-244-1244 kateconran@hotmail.com

 THANKS for your participation in this program!

 

Sexual Health Curriculum Meeting:

On Monday, November 2^nd, from 6-7pm there will be a meeting for parents to discuss the curriculum for the Sexual Health unit. All middle school students will have the opportunity to participate, at some point during this school year, in the sexual health unit.  These classes are part of health education classes and are taught by the health education/wellness teachers. 

 

Prior to participating in these health classes all parents will be asked to return a signed consent form indicating their desire to have their child participate (or not) in the sexual health unit.  These forms will be available at the meeting.

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the program, please plan on attending the meeting.  This meeting is an opportunity for parents to see first hand what information will be discussed in the classes.  It is also a wonderful forum for parents discuss thoughts, concerns, etc. with other middle school parents concerning this very important topic.

 

SAVE THE DATE!!!!  IACS SCHOOL SPIRIT NIGHT:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21^st 6:30 -8:30 PM

This will be a great event for folks of all ages, so invite your families, parents, siblings, teachers and friends to come out for an evening of music and entertainment!  Held in the IACS Auditorium, there will be trivia and prizes, with live musical entertainment performed by Jim Zaroulis and Dave Ayotte. Come join the fun!  Tickets are just $2, BUT SEATING IS LIMITED!  You can purchase your tickets during lunch from the main office or complete the ticket flyer that is attached to this week’s Connection and return it to the office.  You can also contact Ellen DiPasquale with questions or for further information 978-479-9778, etdipasquale@comcast.net.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Drama Production: You and your family will not want to miss the first IACS High School drama production in our beautiful auditorium!  We will proudly present Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on December 4 and 5 at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $10 each and are available now.  Please read the ticket order form for more information.  We will probably sell out quickly, so order yours today!

 

IACS Athletics:

Access our NEW Athletics website from the Innovation Academy Charter School home-page for more information.  Click “Athletics” on the drop-down menu.

 

Interest Meeting & Basketball Sign-ups/Tryouts

Interest Meeting –

Who: All 7/8 & HS boys and girls interested in playing basketball for IACS

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Time: 3:10-3:30pm

Where: High school – room B-53

What: Plan to attend, as important information will be presented.

 

7/8 Boys and Girls Basketball Sign-ups/Tryouts**

Dates: October 21^st - 30^th (1.5 weeks)

Location: Athletics/wellness bulletin board in the 1^st floor hallway in the middle school. 

Paperwork*: All required paperwork is turned in BEFORE tryouts begin.

Tryouts: Begin Monday, November 2^nd.

* - Athletes will not be eligible to tryout if paperwork is not turned in.  No exceptions.  Do not wait, get it done NOW!

 

Come cheer on our High School Soccer Team!

HS Boys Soccer

Tuesday, 10/20 @ Dracut High School – 4:00pm

Thursday, 10/22 @ Nashoba Valley Technical High School – 4:30pm

 

HS Girls Soccer

Friday, 10/23 @ Chelmsford High School – 4:00pm

Saturday, 10/24 vs. TYS @ Bridgemeadow Fields (Tyngsboro) – 2:30pm

 

Destination Imagination Information Meeting:

Tuesday, 10/20 at 6:30 PM in the Middle School Commons

Interested students should come with a parent!  We’ll give a short description of the program, answer questions and begin helping kids form teams who are new to DI and/or IACS DI. If you can’t make the meeting, please email the DI School Coordinator: Bryn Dews at dewskb@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

October 9^th, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

Believe it or not, the first quarter of the school year is halfway over.  The last day of the first quarter is November 13^th, and students will receive their first quarter assessments on November 25^th.  There are a number of systems that we have in place to keep you updated on your child’s progress at school, and I want to take this opportunity to remind you of what they are. 

 

 You have been issued a password for the x2 database that allows you to see your child’s scores on major assignments as they are added to teachers’ grade books.  Most teachers update their grade books weekly or biweekly.  If you have any questions about what you are seeing (or not seeing) in grade books on x2, we encourage you to contact teachers directly to get more information about what is going on.  Students who have shown a pattern of not completing homework, or who have not passed in major rubric assignments, will be asked to stay for Work Completion Center for a specified period of time.  You will be notified of this by phone call or email from Tina Lindberg.  If you have questions or concerns about the request, we again encourage you to contact teachers directly to seek clarification.  We offer Work Completion Center to provide time and space for students to get caught up on their work because we know that lack of work completion is a barrier to success both in school and beyond.  That said, it is always your prerogative as a parent to decline our request.  If you prefer to work with your child at home to ensure that the needed work is completed, that is great.  Finally, students who are in danger of being placed on academic probation will be receiving mid-quarter interim reports through the mail.  These reports went into the mail today.   

 

The staff members at IACS-MS care deeply about providing the best quality education to your children, and we work hard every day to do this. Our partnership with families is of the utmost importance in ensuring success for all students. Please let us know if you have questions about using x2 and to offer your support or constructive feedback as we work together in making this a great year for your child.

 

Best,

 

Kathleen Seward

 

 

 

 

News and Happenings

Morning Drop-Off: Students can be dropped off at the school beginning at 7:40 each morning.  There is no supervision before this time, and students will not be allowed into the building before 7:40.  Please help us keep students safe and supervised by honoring this drop-off time. 

String Ensemble: Come join an after school String Ensemble:  Do you play a string instrument and would like to be a part of an ensemble?  Julia Harmon, a string teacher from Billerica, is putting together an after school string orchestra on Tuesdays.  We need all types of strings:  Violins, violas, cellos and basses and all levels of skill.  Please e-mail Julia at cellofish@yahoo.com for more information. 

5/6 Field Trip to Plimoth Plantation: And you thought the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock was big news….wait until IACS lands this week! Students on the Community Membership team depart at 8 am on Tuesday, October 13^th and return by dismissal on Wednesday, October 14^th. The Effective Communication team departs at 8 am on Thursday, October 15^th and returns by dismissal on Friday, October 16^th. Please see the attached Plimoth FAQ, if needed.

 

Sexual Health Curriculum Meeting:

On Monday, November 2^nd, from 6-7pm there will be a meeting for parents to discuss the curriculum for the Sexual Health unit. All middle school students will have the opportunity to participate, at some point during this school year, in the sexual health unit.  These classes are part of health education classes and are taught by the health education/wellness teachers. 

 

Prior to participating in these health classes all parents will be asked to return a signed consent form indicating their desire to have their child participate (or not) in the sexual health unit.  These forms will be available at the meeting.

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the program, please plan on attending the meeting.  This meeting is an opportunity for parents to see first hand what information will be discussed in the classes.  It is also a wonderful forum for parents discuss thoughts, concerns, etc. with other middle school parents concerning this very important topic.

 

SAVE THE DATE!!!!  IACS SCHOOL SPIRIT NIGHT:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21^st 6:30 -8:30 PM

This will be a great event for folks of all ages, so invite your families, parents, siblings, teachers and friends to come out for an evening of music and entertainment!  Held in the IACS Auditorium, there will be trivia and prizes, with live musical entertainment performed by Jim Zaroulis and Dave Ayotte. Come join the fun!  Tickets are just $2, BUT SEATING IS LIMITED!  You can purchase your tickets during lunch from the main office or complete the ticket flyer that is attached to this week’s Connection/Family Journal and return it to the office.  You can also contact Ellen DiPasquale with questions or for further information 978-479-9778, etdipasquale@comcast.net.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Drama Production: You and your family will not want to miss the first IACS High School drama production in our beautiful auditorium!  We will proudly present Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on December 4 and 5 at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $10 each and are available now.  Please read the ticket order form for more information.  We will probably sell out quickly, so order yours today!

 

 

 

 

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

October 2^nd, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

Yesterday I witnessed something beautiful.  An eighth grade student performed on his guitar in front of the 7/8 Community Meeting.  He stood in front of the group and played two songs with confidence, poise, and enthusiasm.  That was wonderful to see, but that is not actually what was most beautiful about the moment.  What was beautiful about the moment was the way in which his peers responded to his bold solo performance.  Before getting started, the student invited the group to clap or sing along.  He began to play, and his audience began to clap and sing along.  Very quickly, the students realized that their clapping would drown out his playing.  They very quickly came up with a solution that still allowed them to show enthusiasm-they began swinging their arms to the music.  The performance was enjoyable to the performer and to his audience, just as it was intended to be.   I imagine that there were students in the audience who may not have shared the performer’s taste in music, maybe even some who strongly disliked the songs that were played, but not one student in the group indicated this by facial expression or commentary during the performance.   The generosity of spirit that these students exhibited in showing support and enthusiasm for their classmate’s performance was a beautiful moment. 

 

There have been a few staffing changes this week at school.  Sarah Goucher, one of our Math Enrichment teachers, started her maternity leave on Tuesday.  While she is out on leave, Diane Grove, a 5/6 math teacher will be taking over her sections of Math Enrichment.  Kevin Blake, a former IACS teacher, has also been hired to cover 7/8 Science Project classes for the remainder of Katherine Hinkle’s maternity leave. 

 

It was wonderful to see so many of you at Back to School Night on Wednesday.

 

 

. Best,

 

Kathleen Seward

 

 

News and Happenings

 

October 6^th is a ½ day! Students will be dismissed at 12:15. 

 

Portfolio and Quality Nights

If you did not make it to Back to School Night this week, you will want to read the attachment about Quality Night and Portfolios.  This includes important information about unique aspects or our school program.

 

X2

If you forget your x2 password or accidentally lock yourself out of the system, please email Tina Lindberg to have it reset.  All such requests will be taken care of within three school days.  A copy of the x2 letter that was distributed at ILP meetings is attached to this week’s Connection. 

 

Art Donations

Middle School Art is in need of magazines and newspapers!

 

Picture Day: School Picture Day is coming up on Friday, October 9^th.  A picture ordering envelope was sent home last week.

 

Looking to Volunteer?

The Board of Trustees’ Land and Facility Planning Committee is seeking a parent volunteer who is a civil engineer or has similar experience to provide guidance to the group.  While there are no plans for development of the property for school use or

otherwise at this time, the committee is working to best understand all possibilities.  Anyone interested that meets this criteria should contact Walter Landberg, Executive Director by email at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or by phone at 978-649-0432, extension 2217.

 

A Note from the IACA:

The IACA (community association) encourages all IACS families to have at least one parent fill out a CORI form as soon as possible.  The CORI forms are good for 3 years so, if you have filled one out in the last two years AT THIS SCHOOL, you are all set.  As you know, the school handbook requires families to volunteer each year.    Many parents enjoy volunteering at student socials. CORI forms can be found on the school’s website under the FORMS link.

 

We are thrilled to announce that there will be six student socials (three for 5/6 and three for 7/8) and more at the high school this year!   In order to run these socials, we will need volunteers to serve as chaperones.  For the safety of our children, all chaperones must be CORI-certified.    The first middle school dances are coming up on October 23 (for 7/8) and October 30 (for 5/6).  We want to have volunteers lined up ahead of time so that the evening goes smoothly and the kids have a great time.  Please help by filling out a CORI form and turning it in at the front office.

 

If your child attends IACS, you are already a member of the IACA.   Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 14th in the dining room.  All members of the IACS community are welcome to attend.

 

Just a reminder if your student is out sick…..

If your child is sick, please have them stay home from school until free of fever (100.4°F) without the use of fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours. In addition, when calling the school to report their absence, please indicate if your child has or has had a fever of 100.4°F or greater.  This is very helpful information as we try to keep track of students with flu-like symptoms.  Thank you for your cooperation in this very important matter.

 

Sexual Health Curriculum Meeting

On Monday, November 2^nd, from 6-7pm there will be a meeting for parents to discuss the curriculum for the Sexual Health unit. All middle school students will have the opportunity to participate, at some point during this school year, in the sexual health unit.  These classes are part of health education classes and are taught by the health education/wellness teachers. 

 

Prior to participating in these health classes all parents will be asked to return a signed consent form indicating their desire to have their child participate (or not) in the sexual health unit.  These forms will be available at the meeting.

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the program, please plan on attending the meeting.  This meeting is an opportunity for parents to see firsthand what information will be discussed in the classes.  It is also a wonderful forum for parents discuss thoughts, concerns, etc. with other middle school parents concerning this very important topic.

 

Athletic News/Basketball Tryouts:

All 7^th-8^th grade boys and girls interested in playing basketball for the 7^th-8th IACS basketball team should sign up on the lists located on the athletics/wellness bulletin board in the 1^st floor hallway.  The sign-up lists will be posted beginning October 26^th.  Tryouts will begin after school on November 1^st at 3:30pm.

** All athletes need to make sure all paperwork is up-to-date and on file.  Paperwork includes a current physical exam form (turned into the Nurse’s office) AND a parent permission slip (available from & turned in to Mr. Lenter, the Athletic Director).  You will not be allowed to tryout until both forms are turned in.  Don’t wait, get it done NOW!

 

TRICK-OR-TREAT with Box Tops!

 October marks the first Box Tops submission deadline for the school year - so we want to be sure we gather up ALL those box tops folks have been saving over the summer.  Send in your Box Tops to either the office or the collection box in the lunch room.  BE SURE to include your NAME AND HOMEBASE/ADVISORY with your submission.  We'll reward all contributions with a small (non-food) "treat" to recognize you for your efforts.

 

Also, please register on BoxTopsForEducation.Com.  They have a terrific option that earns money for the school when you start your online shopping at http://www.btfe.com.  No coupons to clip, receipts to save, or refunds to submit.  Simply register, start your online shopping at BTFE, and the school will automatically receive a percentage of your purchase in cash! If you have any questions or suggestion, contact Kate Conran at 978-244-1244 or kateconran@hotmail.com

 

THANKS for your participation in this program!

 

THE 8TH GRADE SPANISH PLAY IS COMING!

The performances may not be until April, but we are already looking for adult volunteers!  If you think you may be interested in lending a hand with props, costumes, hair, make-up, chaperoning, publicity, program materials, or any other area, please email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org.  WE NEED YOU!

 

MARK YOU CALENDARS FOR THE PERFORMANCES:  Tuesday, April 13 at 9:15am and Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00pm.

 

 

 

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

September 25^th, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

September continues as a busy and exciting month. The Homebase Breakfast on Thursday was a success; it was great to spend time with so many families. Thank you to families that contributed breakfast items for this event. We hope to see you again next Wednesday, 9/30 from 6-7:30 pm at our Back to School Night where you will have the opportunity to hear more about the curriculum for the year and to see the new classrooms and meet your child’s teachers.

 

Extra help sessions and Work Completion Center are up and running. If your child needs extra help in a particular subject area, please make arrangements to stay with his/her teacher 48 hours in advance of the extra help session. All academic teachers offer weekly extra help sessions. This information can be found in individual class web pages found under the “Academics” tab of our webpage. Work Completion Center is for students that are beginning to fall behind with their homework assignments and/or rubrics. Our front office will call families to make arrangements for children to stay in this quiet study hall to catch up on work, as needed.

 

Another week brings two new members of the IACS community. Clara Sayre Hinkle was born at 12:18pm Tuesday, September 22^nd and weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces. Cooper Michael Doire was born Wednesday, September 23^rd at 10:41am and weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces. Congratulations to the Hinkle and Doire families!

 

Sincerely,

Melissa Kapeckas

Acting Middle School Principal, 5/6

 

News and Happenings

 

Middle School Back to School Night-7/8 Parent/Family Schedule Overview

 

September 30^th 6-7:30 pm

 

6:00-6:15-Presentation in Auditorium for 7/8 Families

Come and hear a brief presentation from the Executive Director, Principal, and Board of Trustees. 

 

6:15-6:45- Open House

You will have time to visit classrooms and introduce yourself to teachers.  All 7/8 teachers and specialists will be in their classrooms ready to greet you at this time.  You can also take a building tour with Kathleen Seward. 

 

 

6:45-7:30 Curriculum Overview of English Language Arts, Math, and Project (Science and Social Studies)

 

	Families of 7th graders	Families of 8th graders
6:45-7:00	Math	Project
7:00-7:15	ELA	Math
7:15-7:30	Project	ELA

 

Middle School Back to School Night-5/6 Parent/Family Schedule Overview

 

5:30-6:00 Plimoth Plantation Question & Answer Session

Please attend if you have any unanswered questions about the Plimoth Plantation field trip.

 

6:00-6:45 Curriculum Overview of English Language Arts, Math, and Project (Science and Social Studies)

Teachers of English Language Arts, Math, Science Project, and Social Studies Project will rotate through in 10-minute intervals to introduce themselves and give a brief overview of the curriculum.

 

6:45-7:15 Open House

You will have time to visit classrooms and introduce yourself to teachers.  All 5/6 teachers and specialists will be in their classrooms ready to greet you at this time.  You can also take a building tour with Kathleen Seward. 

 

7:15-7:30 Presentation in Auditorium for 5/6 Families

Come and hear a brief presentation from the Executive Director, Principal, and Board of Trustees. 

 

Calendar Updates

 You can add our calendar to your own personal google calendar by clicking "+Google calendar" at the bottom of the school calendar page located on our website. If you don't already have a google account, you'll be prompted to create one.  Once you have added the calendar, you can set notifications up to email you daily updates to your google account (gmail) or even send them to your mobile phone. If you want to receive the updates at a non gmail address, you can set up your newly created gmail account to forward messages to an account of your choosing (go to gmail -> settings -> Forwarding and POP/IMAP).

 

Art Donations

Middle School Art is in need of magazines and newspapers!

 

Picture Day: School Picture Day is coming up on Friday, October 9^th.  A picture ordering envelope is being sent home with today’s Dispatch.

 

Looking to Volunteer?

The Board of Trustees Land and Facility Planning Committee is seeking a parent volunteer who is a civil engineer or has similar experience to provide guidance to the group.  While there are no plans for development of the property for school use or

otherwise at this time, the committee is working to best understand all possibilities.  Anyone interested that meets this criteria should contact Walter Landberg, Executive Director by email at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or by phone at 978-649-0432, extension 2217.

 

The 8^TH Grade Spanish Play is Coming!

The performances may not be until April, but we are already looking for adult volunteers!  If you think you may be interested in lending a hand with props, costumes, hair, make-up, chaperoning, publicity, program materials, or any other area, please email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org.  WE NEED YOU!

MARK YOU CALENDARS FOR THE PERFORMANCES:  Tuesday, April 13 at 9:15am and Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00pm. 

 

After School Music Classes:
Please see the flyer attached to this week’s Family Journal from the Music Academy of Chelmsford.   The Music Academy is running two classes- “School of Rock” and “Songwriting 101.” As stated on the flyer- reservations for the class is due by September 30th.    All questions should be directed to Andrew Rega @ (978) 251-7741 or email: info@musicacademyofchelmsford.com

A Note from the IACA:

The IACA (community association) encourages all IACS families to have at least one parent fill out a CORI form as soon as possible.  The CORI forms are good for 3 years so, if you have filled one out in the last two years AT THIS SCHOOL, you are all set.  As you know, the school handbook requires families to volunteer each year.    Many parents enjoy volunteering at student socials. CORI forms can be found on the school’s website under the FORMS link.

 

We are thrilled to announce that there will be six student socials (three for 5/6 and three for 7/8) and more at the high school this year!   In order to run these socials, we will need volunteers to serve as chaperones.  For the safety of our children, all chaperones must be CORI-certified.    The first middle school dances are coming up on October 23 (for 7/8) and October 30 (for 5/6).  We want to have volunteers lined up ahead of time so that the evening goes smoothly and the kids have a great time.  Please help by filling out a CORI form and turning it in at the front office.

 

If your child attends IACS, you are already a member of the IACA.   Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 14th in the dining room.  All members of the IACS community are welcome to attend.

 

Just a reminder if your student is out sick…..

If your child is sick, please have them stay home from school until free of fever (100.4°F) without the use of fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours. In addition, when calling the school to report their absence, please indicate if your child has or has had a fever of 100.4°F or greater.  This is very helpful information as we try to keep track of students with flu-like symptoms.  Thank you for your cooperation in this very important matter.

 

Athletic News/Basketball Tryouts:

All 7^th-8^th grade boys and girls interested in playing basketball for the 7^th-8th IACS basketball team should sign up on the lists located on the athletics/wellness bulletin board in the 1^st floor hallway.  The sign-up lists will be posted beginning October 26^th.  Tryouts will begin after school on November 1^st at 3:30pm.

** All athletes need to make sure all paperwork is up-to-date and on file.  Paperwork includes a current physical exam form (turned into the Nurse’s office) AND a parent permission slip (available from & turned in to Mr. Lenter, the Athletic Director).  You will not be allowed to tryout until both forms are turned in.  Don’t wait, get it done NOW!

 

Destination Imagination Season to Begin!

An after school activity created to build teamwork, creativity and problem solving skills, Destination Imagination (DI) has been around in Massachusetts for more than 10 years. www.madikids.org is the State website where you can read more about DI in MA. www.idodi.org is the National website where you can see the challenge overviews, background about DI, and see Global Finals videos from prior years.

DI teams meet weekly starting no later than the Holiday Break in December, and compete at the Regional tournament at Chelmsford High School in early March. Successful teams need:

• A Team Manager (primarily an administrative position… no direct coaching or hands-on assistance is allowed by anyone besides the 7 team members)
• A place to meet (teams often find weekend meetings work out best)
• Seven enthusiastic and creative students with 2-4 hours per week to meet and work on a solution between December and March (this continues to Memorial Day if they win at the Regional, then State tournaments)
• A volunteer appraiser for the tournament (two-Saturday commitment). Each team must supply one appraiser.

This program is supported by the IACS Community Association. The only cost to participate is the cost of materials for the team’s solution and any snacks/meals during team meetings, if appropriate.  If you are interested in learning more about DI, volunteering as a TM or Appraiser, or participating on a team, please attend our Information Session on October 20^th at 6:30 PM in the Middle School Commons. Interested students must be accompanied by an adult to this meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting but are interested in participating, please contact Bryn Dews (dewskb@yahoo.com), the DI School Coordinator. See attached flyer.

 

Tyngsboro Youth Soccer Seeks Players

Tyngsboro Youth Soccer is seeking girls to play on their Under 12 Rec team. Girls would have to be born after 7/31/1997 to participate. Practices are every Wednesday at Bridgemeadow field in Tyngsboro and games are Saturdays at 11:30. Players do not have to be Tyngsboro residents if they go to school in Tyngsboro. .The cost is $75 for each player but no players are turned away for financial reasons. Please contact Dave Seltz (TYSA U12+ Coordinator) if you are interested: daveseltz@yahoo.com – 978-649-7258 

Scholastic Book Fair is back!

 The Book Fair will run 9/28-10/1. Please see the attached flyer for book fair information and a schedule of when your child’s homebase will visit the book fair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

 

September 18^th, 2009

 

Dear Families:

 

The first five day week of the school year is behind us, and everyone is getting into the swing of things with our new classrooms and teaming structure.  This week both 7/8 teams went on a team-building and hiking trip to Great Book Farm.  Both groups enjoyed some nice hiking, and we are very grateful to all of the parent chaperones who hiked with us.  The 5/6 teams are both getting ready to take trips to Plimouth Plantation in October.  Please see the attachment to this week’s Connection for more information.

 

Early last Saturday morning, Ms. Attfield Quinlan gave birth to a healthy and handsome baby boy, Rowan Lange Quinlan.  The new family is doing well.  We are still awaiting news on the other two staff babies who will be born soon.

 

Thank you everyone for doing your part to enable our dismissal to run smoothly.  We are also very appreciative of everyone who has been remembering to turn off car engines and not idle on school property.  This helps us keep the air safe and pleasant for our staff and students. 

 

Have a great weekend, and I hope to see some of you at the girl’s soccer game this afternoon!

 

Sincerely,

 

Kathleen Seward

Middle School Principal, 7/8

 

News and Happenings

 

 

2009-2010 CLUBS

 

Animal Club

Meeting time:  Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Club advisor:  Martha McLure, 7/8 Social Studies Teacher

 

Students interested in animals will have an opportunity to share information about animals with which they are familiar, and to learn more about different animals, their behavior, and caring for them properly.  Live animals will be brought in to handle and discuss. Please contact Ms. McLure,  mmclure@innovationcharter.org, if you would like to join. 

 

Writing Circle

 

Do you love to express your thoughts and feelings through writing?

Do you want to be part of a community of writers?

Are you looking for a safe space to write and share your stories?

 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in Writing Circle!

 

Writing Circle begins with a group writing warm up activity. During individual writing time, students respond to prompts or work on their own journals, poetry, short stories, or play writing. At the conclusion of the circle, we share our writing from that day.

 

Writing Circle will meet on Wednesdays in room 408 from 3-4. Please contact Ms. Tarshis via email: ztarshis@innovationcharter.org . I look forward to writing with you!

Chess and Game Club - 

 

Chess and Game Club

The Innovation Academy chess club will expand to include other non-computer games this year.  The club will meet on Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 in the Homebase Park’s 7/8 Social Studies room starting September 29, 2009.  The club will be initially limited to 7th and 8th graders.  Depending upon interest level, admittance may be expanded to 5th and 6th graders.  If you are interested please send a note or email to Mr. Willoughby (Joneilwilloughby@innovationcharter.org) with your name and parental contact information.

 

Running Club

By popular demand, the IACS Running Club is back.  If you're ready to tie up those laces and check out the trails, some old, and some new, then sign up for running club.  It will be on Wednesdays only this year from 3-4pm beginning Oct. 14th for 6 weeks.  We will work on pacing skills, technique, and endurance but most of all we will have fun being outdoors and feeling healthy.  Space is limited to 25 students.  And if there is a parent who may be interested in assisting in this program please contact Christine Lovely at christinelovely_imt@comcast.net or (508)847-7202.

 

Comic Club

 Interested in or needing help with drawing?  Join comic club.  In this club you can learn how to  draw, work on your own drawings, and improve your drawing talents.  No drawing experience is needed.  This club will meet Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00.  Please contact Aimee Voleti, avoleti@innovationcharter.org, if you want to join.

 

 

Bookstore Club

The bookstore club is a student run club.  The students learn to be responsible for the sale, ordering and inventory of the products sold at our school book store.  Students in the club meet approximately 1 time per month to go over sales and inventory.  The bookstore is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during lunch and recess.  Bookstore club students sign up to cover shifts while the bookstore is open.  The preference is to have students cover shifts during their recess time, so they do not miss lunch.  All money collected during the year is used to purchase new inventory.  We have a year end party where we inventory all items and talk about how the year went and what changes we can make for the next school year.  All profits are donated to a local (or school) charity at the end of the year.  Any questions, please contact Dave Maier at

dmaier@innovationcharter.org.

 

Yearbook

 The yearbook club will work to prepare the Middle School Yearbook.  This club is open to 8^th grade students only.  The club will meet on Thursday afternoons beginning in early November.  Interested students should see Mrs. Seward.

 

 

The IACS High School Proudly Presents
 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by William Shakespeare
on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at 7:00pm

Tickets are $10 and will be on sale on Monday, October 5.  Watch upcoming issues of The Connection for more information! 

WE NEED ADULT VOLUNTEERS FOR A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM!
Adults:  If you think you may be interested in helping with the high school play in any area, please email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org.  We need adult volunteers for tech, stage management, costumes, props, hair, make-up, programs, publicity, etc.  Please consider lending a hand with the high school show!

 

 

Calendar Updates

 You can add our calendar to your own personal google calendar by clicking "+Google calendar" at the bottom of the school calendar page located on our website. If you don't already have a google account, you'll be prompted to create one.

Once you have added the calendar, you can set notifications up to email you daily updates to your google account (gmail) or even send them to your mobile phone.

If you want to receive the updates at a non gmail address, you can set up your newly created gmail account to forward messages to an account of your choosing (go to gmail -> settings -> Forwarding and POP/IMAP).

 

 

Back to School Night:

Mark your calendars for Back to School Night, Wednesday, September 30^th, 6:00-7:30pm. There will be a Question & Answer Session about the Plimoth Plantation field trip for parents of 5^th and 6^th grade students with questions regarding the trip from 5:30-6:00 pm prior to Back to School Night.

 

Homebase Breakfast:

Mark your calendars for the Homebase breakfast, Thursday, September 24^th 8:00-9:00.  Parnts will be able to sign up to bring healthy items at ILP conferences next week. 

 

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.