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.