Contributors

From the Town Hall Q&A

Will this help me to open up?

Yes, definitely I would not be speaking here if it wasn’t for ipoly. So what ipoly does is mostly through group projects, you don’t get to choose your groups so you branch out and learn their strengths and weaknesses and learn to communicate with more people and make friends you wouldn’t have made on your own.

How big is the school?

The school itself is pretty small but you can walk to the college campus.

If there is any certain dress code what is it?

There’s a lot of freedom and trust, just don’t break the trust. There’s times where presentations require more formal attire. You will know ahead of time if you have to dress formally. The dress code is in the handbook.

How do iPoly rotations work?

You will have 7 classes, depending what house you’re in, we’re divided by 4 houses, but you will have the same teachers as the other houses. Example from 2019-20 pre-remote learning.

How many classes do we have?

You have 7 in total, 4 of which are your core classes (history, math, english, science), 2 of which are spanish and pe and one elective.

How long is each class?

On a normal day there’s 86 minutes of each block. On presentations and holidays the schedule will change.

How do classes work, (choosing) & Does ipoly have honors classes?

You have the same classes for all your grade levels, the core classes, spanish, pe and elective. The order is the only thing that changes. You can only choose your elective, we don’t offer honors classes but college classes are given as a junior or senior, if you have a high enough gpa.

How are the people at IPOLY

What is the community like? & How people would treat each other at school.

The community has a very diverse culture, religion and backgrounds. You get to blend different personalities and adjust. Teachers treat you with a lot of respect and responsibility, you can go to Cal Poly to eat. If you do something to break that trust the privilege is taken away. Most people are very nice and help, the students, staff, and teachers are very helpful.

How does lunch work at Ipoly, Where will we be eating lunch during lunch time, &How does getting food from the cal poly campus work?

When it’s lunchtime, you can choose to stay at ipoly or go onto the Cal Poly campus which has a variety of fast food restaurants (just walk onto campus and buy food). Juniors and Seniors have the opportunity to get food from off the Cal Poly campus.

What is the grading system at IPoly?

We have a A-F grading system, B’s are viewed as proficient. In order to get an A you have to go above and beyond, making students learn more responsibility.

Besides Group Collaboration, what else will IPoly help me with?

Time management, because of the block schedule the homework is due on different days. Group projects help with time management. You learn to build on each other's schedules. You learn to collaborate and prepare for presentations better. Tech and leadership skills get built as well.

What is the best method of staying organized?

There’s a lot of ways, everyones different. Write everything down, due dates, projects, homework. Relying on your memory could end up with you forgetting. Organize your backpack and have subjects separated.

What is required or mandatory at iPoly?

4 years of each core class, 2 years of Spanish(a third year is optional), VPA completes (two semester of one elective or of two corresponding electives)

What's different from Ipoly and a regular high school?

Main difference is that ipoly is project based. There's a lot of group projects and presentations. At first it's intimidating but you grow used to it and grow confidence. It’s a smaller school, with 500 students. You’re able to take college classes in your junior and senior year and there’s only one AP class, AP Calc.

What is your favorite part about iPoly? :)

We get to go off campus for lunch and the freedom we have when working on projects. The community it builds and how small it is we get to know our teachers more and more time for each student. Good relationships with different grade students and staff and feels like a family.

9th grade

Are the teachers strict?

The teachers aren’t strict, they give you a lot of independence and responsibility. They expect a lot from you but also are very chill and friendly. Teachers keep in mind peoples schedules and are understanding.

How many teachers will we have?

There’s 7 teachers. Core Classe: Mr. Speier, Mrs. Ortega, Mrs. Cancino, Mr. Nam. Spanish: Mrs. Bazaldua or Mrs. Poskitt. PE: Mr. Hanke or Ms. Russell

Will Mrs.Cancino teach marine biology related things?

Mrs. Cancino loves sharks and talks about different aqua life, and some of the first creatures humans evolved from. She talks about evolution and marine biology topics.

How many days a week is PE & Where will we be doing P.E?

It depends, PE alternates every week, so you have it 2-3 times a week. PE will be on Cal Poly campus, it depends on what they’re doing but it’s usually around the gym and tennis courts.

How many group based projects do we have for 9th grade.

How many projects would students usually do in a school year?

There are two main projects, one per semester. The first semester is learning about environmental issues, expeditions unlimited. You’re assigned a place and learn about those places. There’s multiple components that can be group or individual. The second semester isn’t known. There’s also smaller group projects for all classes. It seems like a lot but the mini projects help prepare you for the final presentations.

Will we only be doing group things?

There are some individual projects but it’s mostly in groups, whether it’s studying or etc. There are both tests and quizzes, but there's more projects than tests. It can get tiring to be in group projects but you get used to it over time.

What do you suggest is the best way to work on the group projects?

It’s best to start as early as possible. Keeping in contact with your group, communication is key. If you have uncommunicative members, you might have to take a leadership role.

Do groups meet outside of the school premises ?

Yes but it depends on your group. You can borrow teachers' classrooms, meet at the library, or someone's house.

If we did our work online, will the criteria for presentations be different? (What is school going to be like because of quarantine?) (How would the teachers grade our work ?)

Make it as easy to turn in and finish it as fast as possible. They try to keep a high standard for students.

We are starting this year online, the teachers are trying to make it fun and engaging for students. Ipoly is a community and they’re trying to help create that atmosphere online. If you have ideas you can reach out to Mrs. Ortega via hangout.

For class like Math, Science, and History will we be needing to take home textbooks?

Math will have a textbook but it isn’t likely that it will be used. Science might have a textbook but it’ll be online. History will likely have a textbook. English uses a workbook everyone will take home and to school for assignments.

Clubs/Electives: There is a discord for clubs and electives.

Will there be any after school groups this year where we can discuss similar interests?

How can we find other students with similar interests as us?

What are some other after school activities that Ipoly has to offer?

Clubs and interest groups take place at lunch while some also have after school meetings. ASB also hosts some events throughout the year such as dances. Ipoly also has a sports program, working alongside Southlands Christian Schools. (clubs listed below)

How will clubs work online, Is there still going to be clubs, Are there any programs and how do you apply?

Because of covid we’re not sure of the plan but there are a lot of in class or after school clubs. You can look for clubs that fit in your interests. Usually there is a club fair where you can meet all the clubs. We have a partnership with Southlands High for sports. Talking to Mr West and Eddie about programs. There are the young scholars and dual enrollment and special admit for concurrent classes. You can’t take these classes until junior senior year. TPPis a partnership between LACOE and the California department of rehabilitation.. There would be google meets where you learn about many topics. TO qualify you need a iep or counseling, history counseling, or impairment

Do clubs meet during school time or after school ?

Some clubs are exclusive to lunch while other clubs that are more competitive based, have some after school meetings. (debate, MUN, etc.)

Is there an e sports gaming team

We don’t know the state of the club since most members were seniors. But we are planning to have a e e-sports gaming team.

What type of club and elective options do you have?

Club:

Anime club: and interest group for those who like anime

Art Club:encourage students to tune into their artistic skills (photography, writing, painting, etc.)

Debate: debate events and building skills

Drama (elective and club) splits into acting, tech, marketing, stage crew, business, make up

Gamers Collective: connect ipoly students to play the same video games

Ipoly Barangay: raise awareness of filipino culture

Key Club: a club to connect with schools nearby and get service hours

MUN: A debate type club, modeling the UN by representing countries and debating modern topics.

Project Smile: collect recyclables to fund cleft surgeries

Unicef: provide aid to less fortunate children around the world with fundraising

Yearbook: collect and combine school memories into a book

Electives:

Academic Support

AP Calculus

ASB: plan events and boost moral

CTE

Dance

Drama

Eye on Ipoly: youtube channel to broadcast journaling; newsdesking, editing, interviewing

Film Appreciation

Film Creation mandatory for sophomores)

Mixed Media Art

Will there be electives in the school schedule?

Yes, you meet Tuesday and Friday.

Do you have a film editing club, class or elective and if so what program do you use and will it teach us the basics.

Sophomore year you are required to take the film creation class to prepare for a semester project which does teach you the basics. There is also yearbook and Eye on Ipoly which have similar concepts both using different programs.

Can you join more than one elective?

You can only take one elective. Drama does have a club and an elective as well as the improv club and the school wide musical.

Communication:

Will there be any way we can communicate with any other students through school (Discord?)

Every ipoly student has their own gmail so you can search up their name to communicate via hangouts or email. You can use whatever medium is most fit for your group.

Sports:

Are there sports in Ipoly?

Is there a Basketball team that I could join?

Ipoly plays with Southlands, there’s provided transportation. There is a girl volleyball team, baseball team, football team, and more.

How will sports tryouts be

There is a form to sign up in the registrations. Email Southlands athletic director for more information.

Etc.

Will we be going back to campus or will we do online classes?

We won’t likely be going back on the 10th. We’re planning for a hybrid or online classes.

Can we get a more thorough explanation of the registration? i.e. Where do we send it, What does certain portions mean, etc.

Appointments will be made for online meets and register online. You will get a call to set up the appointment.

I don’t have my registration, what do I do?

A lot of people haven’t gotten their packet. You can also call ahead and pick the packet up at school.

Will there be online work for those who have to stay in a two week quarantine?

Yes, you will still get your class materials and work.

Will we get our student ID's another day or would it be sent as soon as you sign up your email?

You wont get your ID until sometime after school has started.

If a student is expelled, does this affect the student's sibling's chance of getting in?

It depends on each case, but if you qualify and there are open slots you will be accepted

Is AVID an elective at ipoly?

It’s not an elective but CSS is planning to follow some of the same things.

Is there a limit on how many clubs you can join?

There is no limit, make sure you can manage all of them.