Word From Wisely

Dear iUniversity Prep Owls,

YOU DID IT! You rocked your first week of live lessons and content. It was such a joy to see you in your classes and in your chats. This coming week, we are adding the fun with Club Launch Week! We recommend that every owl find a club or organization to be a part of and next week you get the opportunity to try out as many as you would like. We are also starting grade-level chats and launching iUPrep Study halls this week. All great places to find your people and connect.

Announcements

These announcements can also be found on iUPrep’s Virtual Vine, a place for parent and student resources. Most of this week's announcements are repeat information, but we wanted to make sure you don’t miss out on what is happening this week and coming up soon.

Club Preview Week

iUP Clubs are starting up! The week of August 24th is Club Preview Week. This means you can visit as many clubs as you like to find the best fit for you! Check the iUP Events Calendar for more info!

Introducing Study Halls

Need a place to work, catch up, or get some help? Study Halls are open! 📚

These are drop-in sessions, so no sign-up is needed. Come when you need support, stay as long as you need, and leave when you’re ready.

6th–8th Grade: https://iuniversityprep.adobeconnect.com/studyhall6th-8thgrade/

Tuesdays: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Wednesdays: 1:30–2:30 PM

*5th Graders - Mrs. Palmer & Mrs. Merrick will tell you more!

9th & 10th Grade: https://iuniversityprep.adobeconnect.com/studyhall9th-10thgrade/

Tuesdays 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Wednesdays: 2:45 PM–3:45 PM

11th & 12th Grade: https://iuniversityprep.adobeconnect.com/studyhall11th-12thgrade/

Tuesdays: 8:30 AM–9:30 AM

Wednesdays: 1:30 PM–2:30 PM

Grade-Level Chats

If you would like your student to have the opportunity to participate in their Grade Level Chat, please complete the Grade Level Chat form by September 4th. Students will only be added to their Grade Level Chat if you opt them in. Students can still participate in their course and club chats per their teacher or sponsor rules if you choose not to opt them into the Grade Level Chat.

If you choose to opt your student into the Grade Level Chat, please take some time to read over the chat guidelines and rules with your student found in the sign up form.

We are excited to see your students interact and make friends this year.

Meet the Teacher & North Texas Back to School Bash:

🎉 Meet the Teacher & Back to School Bashes

**RSVP for Meet the Teacher & Back to School Bashes**

DFW Meet the Teacher & Back to School Bash

Aug. 28 • 6:30–8 PM • Colleyville Heritage High School

Regional Back to School Bashes

Houston: Sept. 11 • 3:30–5:30 PM • Community Fieldhouse
San Antonio: Sept. 11 • 3:30–5:30 PM • Elsewhere Too
Austin Area: Sept. 11 • 3:30–5:30 PM • Backporch Social

**RSVP for Meet the Teacher & Back to School Bashes**

Come meet other iUP families, connect with staff, and kick off the school year together! 🧡

Senior Sunrise is September 4th!

Seniors, it’s time to start your year with a little magic! Join us for Senior Sunrise on September 4 at Parr Park in Grapevine. This in-person event is a chance for our senior class to come together, enjoy the sunrise, and celebrate the beginning of their final year at iUniversity Prep.

📅 September 4, 2026

Time: 6:45 AM - 7:30 AM
📍 Parr Park, Grapevine, TX

Can’t make it to Grapevine? No problem! We know our seniors and families are spread all across Texas, so we’ll also share ways for you to participate from wherever you are and share your own sunrise with us.

A Special Celebration! iUP is officially an A-rated school! 🎉

The 2026 Texas Education Agency accountability ratings are in, and iUniversity Prep earned an A rating! We’re so proud of our students, teachers, staff, and families who continue to make iUP such a special place to learn. So, Wise Owls, give yourselves a little pat on the back. You’re an A-rated student at an A-rated school! 💜🦉 You can read more about this rating on the GCISD website.

Student-Parent Handbook:

iUniversity Prep has adopted an official Student-Parent Handbook outlining our policies and expectations. You can read the handbook on the Virtual Vine. It includes student expectations, our new AI and academic integrity policy, mid-semester deadline procedures, and more!

✅ Start of Classes Checklist:

With classes starting this week, ensure that you and your Owl are set for success!
Read your welcome communications from your teachers.
Ensure you know when your live lessons are.
Learning Coaches, have a daily meeting with your student each day this week. Ensure they complete their assignments each day.
Students, complete your work in Canvas daily. Remember the 5-minute rule: If you are stuck on something for more than 5 minutes, it’s time to reach out for help. You can find all of your teachers’ cell phone numbers here on the virtual vine.
Communicate with your Homeroom teacher. Your homeroom teacher is here to support you as you take flight into this new school year. Do not hesitate to reach out to them with any questions that come up.
Newbies: Be patient with yourself. You are learning a whole new way to do school, and that can take a little time. Reach out for help and trust you will get the hang of things soon.

Free and Reduced Lunch:

While we don’t serve lunch here at iUP, if you qualify, it is still important to sign up! There are many other benefits associated with the free and reduced application, such as waived fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams; discounts on college applications, summer school classes, and other school activities; and much more.

SAT Suite: GCISD is offering the SAT Suite Assessments on October 20th-22nd.

PSAT 8/9 for 8th graders
- Tentative 10/20
PSAT for 9th-11th graders
- 9th: Tentative 10/20
- 10th: Tentative 10/22
- 11th: Set for 10/21
SAT for seniors who have yet to test on an SAT School Day
- Seniors who tested on SAT School Day in the Spring, regardless of school, are not eligible.
- Tentative 10/22

The dates for each test may change based on grade level, accommodations, and numbers. That is still to be determined as we get closer. The most likely change will be due to accommodations because of our room space.

A Quick Note About ParentSquare

ParentSquare is one of the ways families may receive school-wide information and updates. However, teachers will not regularly monitor or respond to messages sent through ParentSquare. If you need to contact your student’s teacher, text, call, or email them. Teacher contact information is on the Virtual Vine.

Repeated Information:

iUniversity Prep’s Commitment to Academic Integrity:

This school year, iUniversity Prep has adopted a campus-wide Academic Integrity Policy to ensure all students demonstrate their own learning and mastery of course content. We ask that all students and Learning Coaches take a few minutes to review the new policy together. It outlines our expectations for original work, collaboration, plagiarism, and the appropriate use of technology. Please note: Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and similar platforms, are not permitted unless the assignment directions specifically state that AI may be used. If the use of AI is allowed, students must follow the teacher's instructions on appropriate use and citation.

Mid-Semester Deadlines:

Our data shows that implementing mid-semester deadlines last school year successfully supported our goals for student mastery. We will continue with these procedures for 26-27. The Fall Mid-Semester Deadline will be October 9th. You can read more about it on the virtual vine.

Follow us on all our social media platforms. These platforms and Word From Wisely are great ways to stay in the know about everything iUP.

As always, Owls, if you need ANYTHING, reach out.

Be GREAT! Be the BEST! Be OWLsome!

~The iUP Leadership Team

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