Dear IACS Family,

 

In less than 72 hours our first group of 7^th and 8^th graders will be leaving for the Sargent Center.  I am thrilled to be able to join both groups on their adventures.  The Problem Solving Team will depart the morning of October 18th and return the afternoon of October 20th.  The Self Direction Team will leave the morning of October 20th and return on the afternoon of October 22^nd.  Please make sure students arrive to school on time.  We will begin loading the buses at 8:10am and we will depart at exactly 8:30am.  We are on a tight schedule and cannot wait.  Thank you for your support!  Additionally, as I will be out all week I will not have access to email or be able to answer phone calls.  Please call the main office with any questions and my fellow principals will be able to help you.

 

Students who are not attending the Sargent trip should report to school at the regular time and they will be directed to the various teachers who will be leading them in activities for the days their teams are away.

 

Looking at academics we are beyond the halfway point in our first quarter.  Please remember to check your students’ progress in X2 on a weekly basis whenever possible.  We really appreciate all the parent support we receive in helping our students achieve.

 

In other exciting news, all of our sports teams are having fantastic seasons.  If you have not been to a game or a race I strongly recommend you come out and support our student athletes!  Also, be sure to sign your students up for basketball if they are interested.  The deadline is approaching quickly.  Speak to Mr. Lenter with any questions.

 

Finally, Ms. Kapeckas and I would like to report that school culture has been a point of pride for us.  We have seen a significant decrease in the number of incidents requiring our attention when compared with last year and historically.  Recent speakers have complimented our students as some of the best audiences they have worked with.  This is thanks to all your hard work, and the hard work of our students and teachers.

 

On that note please have a wonderful weekend and think sunny thoughts for us and our upcoming trip.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Shamus Brady

 

 

Half Days: Thursday           10/21:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

More upcoming half days and No School days which

can also be found on our website’s calendar:

 

Thursday           10/21:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/25:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

 

 

First Two After School Music Classes are Here!

Concert Band 101, Instrument Introduction

This 12-week session will introduce students to four concert band instruments: flute, trumpet, clarinet and alto sax.

Schedule: Tuesdays 3-4pm, starting 10/12/10

Tuition: $99 To register, contact Music Academy of Chelmsford at info@musicacademyofchelmsford.com or (978) 251-7741

 

Orchestra 101, Instrument Introduction

This 12-week session will introduce students to four orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cella and string bass.

Schedule: Wednesdays 3-4pm, starting 10/13/10

Tuition: $99 To register, contact Music Academy of Chelmsford at info@musicacademyofchelmsford.com or (978) 251-7741

 

Chorus - all ages, starts Tuesday, 3-4pm (More info attached in the flyer).

Also, on Monday anyone interested in the Rock Ensemble groups to stay after school for an informational meeting and evaluation so we can match kids up properly. For more information or to register, contact Music Academy of Chelmsford at info@musicacademyofchelmsford.com or (978) 251-7741

 

 

The Achievement Network: The middle school at Innovation Academy Charter has joined The Achievement Network for the 2010-2011 school year.  The Achievement Network is a non-profit committed to helping all students achieve academic excellence by providing effective data-driven strategies to identify and close gaps in student learning.  Roughly every 6-8 weeks throughout the course of the school year, all middle school students will take a Math and English/Language Arts assessment designed to align with MCAS.  Data from the assessments are turned around to network schools within 48 hours and help to provide the Math and ELA teams with important data on how well we are instructing students and how well students are learning information.  Please see the middle school calendar for the dates of the Achievement Network testing.  If you have questions about The Achievement Network, please contact Erin Attfield Quinlan at eattfieldquinlan@innovationcharter.org . 

 

 

Attention Billerica Students!

Billerica students in grades three through eight (public, private, charter, parochial, and home school) are invited to participate in the second annual Billerica Spelling Bee, powered by the Billerica Partners for Education. Our purpose is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. This event is intended to encourage and celebrate academic excellence in our community.  To participate in the Billerica Spelling Bee, students must enroll in the program, take the Billerica Spell Check qualifying test, and be one of the top scoring spellers for their grade. There is no cost to participate.

 Wondering what the event is like? You can watch last year’s event at www.BillericaSpellingBee.org.

 Action: Visit www.BillericaSpellingBee.org to download and print the enrollment form.  Forms are due by October 20, 2010.

 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  BROADWAY IS COMING TO THE IACS STAGE! 

IACS will present the Tony-Award Winning Broadway musical "Into the Woods" on December 10 and 11!  You won't want to miss this stellar cast and crew in the first (certainly not the last) Innovation Academy High School musical!  See the attached ticket order form for details!

Special offer until October 29th, tickets at $15 each. Starting November 1st, tickets at $18 each.

Do you know someone in the cast or crew of "Into the Woods"?  Would you like to send them a message in the play program?  Or, do you have a business you would like to advertise in the program?  See the attached advertisement order form for information on how to do this while supporting the Performing Arts Program at IACS! 

We are looking for adult volunteers to help in all areas of the high school production of "Into the Woods"!  If you think you might be able to lend a hand in any area, please contact acottle@innovationcharter.org.  Thank you! 

 

Middle School Robotics Club will be starting up after school and run for four weeks on Monday afternoons: October 18, November 1, 8 and 15th.  This club is limited to 12 students, who will each get their own Lego Mindstorms Robotics kit to use during club time.  Club will run from 3:00-4:30.  Students will have a choice of either building a Battle Bot or design and build Artbotics - art that responds to it's environment.  Please e-mail Donna Harrington to sign up at dharrington@innovationcharter.org.

 

Middle School Socials: Come join your classmates for a fun night, dancing to the latest hits and hanging out with your friends. 5/6 Dance 10/29 from 7-9pm & 7/8 Dance 10/15 from 7-9pm
Admission: $5, Snacks will be available for purchase and water will be provided
You must be an IACS student to attend Socials. Proceeds support the IACA
If you want to volunteer to chaperone or help at the snack table, please contact:
 Janet Morris at: janetmorris1@verizon.net You must fill out a CORI Form before chaperoning any school event. You can obtain a CORI Form by clicking: http://iaca.weebly.com/forms.html  and printing it off and sending it in.

.

IACS Lunch Program Help Wanted

Are you looking for a way to fulfill your volunteering hours?  IACS Lunch Program could use your help.  It’s a great way to see how the lunch program works, sample the food & meet the fabulous IACS students. Please email karen.drake@innovationcharter.org to find out more.  

 

Task Force: As mentioned in Executive Director Walter Landberg's recent letter, featured in the "updates" section on our website, the Task Force on Facility and School Expansion will hold regular meetings.  These meetings will be held at the school, are open to the school community and are tentatively scheduled for 7PM on the following dates:  10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8 &11/21. If you are interested in attending to join the meeting and listen to the discussion, please share your plans to attend with Walter Landberg, as dates are subject to change.  You can email Walter at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or call him at 978-649-0432, ext. 2217.

 

 

IACA Hosts Another School Event: So….LET'S GET ROLLING.......

(IACS half day release)

IACA-Roller Skating Party at Roller Kingdom-Tyngsboro

When: Monday, October 25, 2010, 1pm – 3pm

Where: Roller Kingdom 355 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, MA

 

Description:Monday, October 25, 2010, (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.  For grades 5-12. Please join us for a fun filled afternoon! This event is staffed by the Roller Kingdom and is not chaperoned by IACA. Please visit www.iaca.weebly.com for flyer.

 

IACA Meeting: Please come to the IACA's (like the PTO) 2nd meeting of the year, Monday, October 18th from 7-9pm in the Cafeteria.  We will be discussing upcoming IACS events, learn more about how you can get involved. All are welcome!  email, Janet Morris,  janetmorris1@verizon.net with questions.

 

 

Writing Circle: There will not be writing circle on 10/20 due to the Sargent Center Trip.

 

Fall Festival: The fall festival scheduled for October 23rd has been cancelled.

 

MSPCA DRIVE:  Please donate new or gently used pet supplies to the MSPCA!

 Ariana Schmidt, 6th grade student in HB Edelman, is working with her Girl Scout troop to earn her Bronze Award by organizing a drive for much needed pet supplies for MSPCA: Nevins Farm in Methuen. The Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. Families may help by donating pet supplies of all kinds. There will be a collection box located  in the cafeteria from October 15th until November 5th. Look for a flyer with a wish list of the items needed on the collection box.

 

October is BOX TOPS Month!

Welcome back!  Already, it is time for us to submit our box tops and get some cash for the school.  We're holding a HOMEBASE Challenge.  Have your student submit their box tops in the collection box in the cafe.  BE SURE TO INCLUDE HOMEBASE NAME with your submission.  The Homebase with the most submissions for October will earn a special reward to share.  Can ANYONE BEAT Dave Maier's class???  Remember - we ONLY Collect Box Tops for Education at this time (no Campbell's soup labels or Betty Crocker Points, please!).  High School families - you are welcome to submit at well - we'll find a way to acknowledge your contributions if you include student name and advisory with submission.

Questions?  Contact Kate Conran kateconran@hotmail.com 978-244-1244

 

Middle School Basketball

All 5 – 8 grade students interested in playing basketball for IACS this winter should make sure all paperwork is on file with the school.  All physicals should be given to the nurse in the Nurse’s Office.  All other paperwork should be given Mr. Lenter.  All paperwork is due by Friday, October 29^th, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Tryouts will begin November 1^st.

 

IACS Athletics Monday, October 18 – Saturday, October 23

MS XC: Monday, Oct. 18 vs. LCCPS – 3:30pm @ LeBlanc Park

HS Boys Soccer: Thursday, Oct. 21 vs. NVT – 4:00pm @ CHS-Field #12

 

For the most updated information please refer to the IACS Athletics website at www.innovationcharter.org.  Click on “Athletics and Activities.”

 

 

Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting for this school year will take place on Monday, October 18^th at 6:30pm. Please contact Executive Director Walter Landberg at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org for more details.

The following Board Meetings will also be at 6:30pm.

11/15   12/13   1/24     2/28     3/21     4/11     5/16    

6/4-Saturday Board Retreat 9am-2pm & 6/13-Annual Meeting

 

Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest - "Vision of Peace"

This international contest is intended to encourage children ages 11 - 13 to creatively express what peace means to them. The 2010-2011 contest theme is "Vision of Peace." The contest allows the students to share their unique image of peace so that we may all have greater tolerance and international understanding.

The Billerica Lions is proud to sponsor this contest at the Marshall Middle School, the Locke Middle School, and Billerica students at Innovation Academy. The contest is open to students who will be 11, 12, or 13 years of age on November 15, 2010.

Artwork must be no smaller than 13x20 and no larger than 20x24. Do not mat or frame artwork.

Only one entry per student per year and each entry must be the work of only one student. All artwork must be the individual students original creation. Duplications are not accepted.

All media are accepted. Note - chalk, charcoal, and pastel entries should be sealed with a fixative spray to prevent smearing. Do not laminate entries.

Three dimensional entries will not be accepted. Nothing may be glued, stapled or attached to the artwork in any way. The use of lettering or numbering on the front of the poster, in any language, is not allowed. All artist signatures or initials should be written on the back of the poster.

Artwork should be done on a flexible material so that it can be rolled for shipping in a mailing tube. Do not fold the poster.

Each entry will also require a permission form provided by the Billerica Lions Club to be completed and signed by the parent or guardian at the time of submission. The permission form is attached to this email. Please print as many copies as you will need for your students. The deadline for all entries is Friday, November 5th, to Lion Joan Parcewski, chair of the contest.

The contest will be held on November 10th at Billerica Access Television with a small reception for participants and their families and school personnel. There will be a winning entry chosen from each participating school and submitted to the district peace poster competition which is held later in the year.

 

Contact Lion Joan at 978-376-3978 or by email at jparcewski@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Innovation Academy Community Association

and

ALPHA

Tae Kwon Do Academy

Is pleased to present a new fundraiser…

$50

Alpha TKD will donate $50  to the IACA for every student  who registers for a six week trial classes.

Trial classes include a free uniform & 6 weeks of Martial Arts lessons.

 

 

 

Dear IACS Family,

It is hard to believe that we are already at the midpoint of Quarter 1! Please make it a habit to utilize our x2 online database each week to review your child’s academic progress with him/her. Viewing your child’s up-to-date grades will allow you to see when your child has missing assignments as well as assessing their current progress in each class. Families of students at risk of being on academic probation at the end of the quarter will be receiving an interim report in the mail, specifying the concern and making recommendations to guide the student to improving their performance. As you are using x2 as a tool, please do not hesitate to contact a teacher directly whenever a concern may arise.  Please consider attending one of the x2 training sessions on Tuesday, October 12^th from 5:30-6:30pm or Wednesday, October 13^th from 8:15-9:15am if you are new to using x2.

Enjoy the long weekend and the end of this rainy weather!

Best,

Melissa Kapeckas

5/6 Middle School Principal

 

Half Days: No School 10/11 Columbus Day.

More upcoming half days and No School days which

can also be found on our website’s calendar:

Monday             10/11:  No School (Columbus Day)

Thursday           10/21:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/25:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

 

 

First Two After School Music Classes are Here!

Concert Band 101, Instrument Introduction

This 12-week session will introduce students to four concert band instruments: flute, trumpet, clarinet and alto sax.

Schedule: Tuesdays 3-4pm, starting 10/12/10

Tuition: $99 To register, contact Music Academy of Chelmsford at info@musicacademyofchelmsford.com or (978) 251-7741

 

Orchestra 101, Instrument Introduction

This 12-week session will introduce students to four orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cella and string bass.

Schedule: Wednesdays 3-4pm, starting 10/13/10

Tuition: $99 To register, contact Music Academy of Chelmsford at info@musicacademyofchelmsford.com or (978) 251-7741

 

Attention Billerica Students!

Billerica students in grades three through eight (public, private, charter, parochial, and home school) are invited to participate in the second annual Billerica Spelling Bee, powered by the Billerica Partners for Education. Our purpose is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. This event is intended to encourage and celebrate academic excellence in our community.  To participate in the Billerica Spelling Bee, students must enroll in the program, take the Billerica Spell Check qualifying test, and be one of the top scoring spellers for their grade. There is no cost to participate.

 Wondering what the event is like? You can watch last year’s event at www.BillericaSpellingBee.org.

 Action: Visit www.BillericaSpellingBee.org to download and print the enrollment form.  Forms are due by October 20, 2010.

 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  BROADWAY IS COMING TO THE IACS STAGE! 

IACS will present the Tony-Award Winning Broadway musical "Into the Woods" on December 10 and 11!  You won't want to miss this stellar cast and crew in the first (certainly not the last) Innovation Academy High School musical!  See the attached ticket order form for details!

Special offer until October 29th, tickets at $15 each. Starting November 1st, tickets at $18 each.

Do you know someone in the cast or crew of "Into the Woods"?  Would you like to send them a message in the play program?  Or, do you have a business you would like to advertise in the program?  See the attached advertisement order form for information on how to do this while supporting the Performing Arts Program at IACS! 

We are looking for adult volunteers to help in all areas of the high school production of "Into the Woods"!  If you think you might be able to lend a hand in any area, please contact acottle@innovationcharter.org.  Thank you! 

 

Middle School Robotics Club will be starting up after school and run for four weeks on Monday afternoons: October 18, November 1, 8 and 15th.  This club is limited to 12 students, who will each get their own Lego Mindstorms Robotics kit to use during club time.  Club will run from 3:00-4:30.  Students will have a choice of either building a Battle Bot or design and build Artbotics - art that responds to it's environment.  Please e-mail Donna Harrington to sign up at dharrington@innovationcharter.org.

 

Middle School Socials: Come join your classmates for a fun night, dancing to the latest hits and hanging out with your friends. 5/6 Dance 10/29 from 7-9pm & 7/8 Dance 10/15 from 7-9pm
Admission: $5, Snacks will be available for purchase and water will be provided
You must be an IACS student to attend Socials. Proceeds support the IACA
If you want to volunteer to chaperone or help at the snack table, please contact:
 Janet Morris at: janetmorris1@verizon.net You must fill out a CORI Form before chaperoning any school event. You can obtain a CORI Form by clicking: http://iaca.weebly.com/forms.html  and printing it off and sending it in.

.

 

IACS Lunch Program Help Wanted

Are you looking for a way to fulfill your volunteering hours?  IACS Lunch Program could use your help.  It’s a great way to see how the lunch program works, sample the food & meet the fabulous IACS students. Please email karen.drake@innovationcharter.org to find out more.  

 

Task Force: As mentioned in Executive Director Walter Landberg's recent letter, featured in the "updates" section on our website, the Task Force on Facility and School Expansion will hold regular meetings.  These meetings will be held at the school, are open to the school community and are tentatively scheduled for 7PM on the following dates:  10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8 &11/21. If you are interested in attending to join the meeting and listen to the discussion, please share your plans to attend with Walter Landberg, as dates are subject to change.  You can email Walter at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or call him at 978-649-0432, ext. 2217.

 

 

IACA Hosts Another School Event: So….LET'S GET ROLLING.......

(IACS half day release)

IACA-Roller Skating Party at Roller Kingdom-Tyngsboro

When: Monday, October 25, 2010, 1pm – 3pm

Where: Roller Kingdom 355 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, MA

 

Description:Monday, October 25, 2010, (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.  For grades 5-12. Please join us for a fun filled afternoon! This event is staffed by the Roller Kingdom and is not chaperoned by IACA. Please visit www.iaca.weebly.com for flyer.

 

Important Information for Any Student Bringing Medications on the Sargent Center Field Trip: All medications that are to accompany students on the Sargent Center field trip must be received by the health office at IACS by Wednesday, Oct. 13th.  All medications must be in their original container or prescription bottle with a current prescription label.  All medications must also have the students name on them.  Students are not allowed to carry their own medications while on the field trip unless we have a doctor's order stating so. If you have any questions please call Gayle or Marge in the Health Office at x2104.

 

October is BOX TOPS Month!

Welcome back!  Already, it is time for us to submit our box tops and get some cash for the school.  We're holding a HOMEBASE Challenge.  Have your student submit their box tops in the collection box in the cafe.  BE SURE TO INCLUDE HOMEBASE NAME with your submission.  The Homebase with the most submissions for October will earn a special reward to share.  Can ANYONE BEAT Dave Maier's class???  Remember - we ONLY Collect Box Tops for Education at this time (no Campbell's soup labels or Betty Crocker Points, please!).  High School families - you are welcome to submit at well - we'll find a way to acknowledge your contributions if you include student name and advisory with submission.

Questions?  Contact Kate Conran kateconran@hotmail.com 978-244-1244

 

 

Google Calendars: Thanks to one of our new parents (Mr. Silva)  for typing up helpful hint directions on how to get connected to Google calendars which are used here at IACS. These can also simply be viewed at our website.

 

Login to Google Calendar:

- go to "google.com"

- click on "Sign In", in the upper right corner

- if necessary, click on "Create an account now"

- otherwise, enter e-mail address (username) and password, check "Stay

 signed in", and click on "Sign In"

 

Add the all-school calendar:

- go to "innovationcharter.org/calendar.php"

- click on "+ Google Calendar", in the lower right corner

- when the "Do you want to add this calendar?" box pops up, click on

 "Yes, add this calendar"

 

Add the appropriate per-grade/-class calendar(s):

- go to "sites.innovationcharter.org/academics"

- click on "Middle School" or "High School", as desired

- click on "Major Projects And Deadlines"

- go to the relevant calendar ("Effective Communication Team

 Calendar", "IACS 9th Grade Major Assignments", etc.)

- click on "+ Google Calendar", in the lower right corner

- when the "Do you want to add this calendar?" box pops up, click on

 "Yes, add this calendar"

 

Dear IACS Community: We need your help:

Please take 2 minutes to fill out the following on-line volunteer information form.  This form will provide us with information on what you are interested in and are able to volunteer for. The form is for informational purposes and will not automatically obligate you.. As events come up throughout the year, we will contact you if you have indicated that you have interest in volunteering for a particular event and confirm that you are still able to volunteer. We appreciate your help! Go to the following link to fill out the form: https://spreadsheets2.google.com/viewform?formkey=dC1PV2cwX3A2ZGhUMF9QanZHLXdLa3c6MQ

 

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to complete this volunteer form!

You can also access the form from the IACA website:www.iaca.weebly.com

If you have any questions please contact Susan Howard at: iacsvolunteering@gmail.com

(If the link doesn't bring you to the form you can copy and paste it into your browser and access it from there)

 

CLUBS:

• The National History Day Club: National History Day makes history come alive for America's youth by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural and social experiences of the past. Through hands-on experiences and presentations, today's youth are better able to inform the present and shape the future. NHD inspires children through exciting competitions and transforms teaching through project-based curriculum and instruction. The National History Day contest has two divisions: Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-12).  This year's theme is Debate and Diplomacy: Success, Failure and Consequences. The IACS National History Day club will meet every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00 in room 205 starting September 23rd.  Send an email to Mr. Willoughby (joneilwilloughby@innovationcharter.org) if you would like to join.  If are interested in working on this project, but can not attend meetings on Thursdays, please contact Mr. Willoughby.
• Writing Circle Club: 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 playwriting. At the conclusion of the circle, we share our writing from that day. Writing Circle will meet every Wednesdays starting 9/29 in room 408 from 3:00-4:00. Please contact Ms. Tarshis via email: ztarshis@innovationcharter.org if you are interested! I look forward to writing with you!
• Comic Club: Do you enjoy reading or drawing comics, including Mange?  If so, Comic Club would love to have you as a member.  Comic Club is a place to share work with others, learn about different drawing styles and have fun meeting other students.  You don’t need to be a skilled artist to attend.  At the end of the year, we will publish a book of student work.  This year we hope to bring in guests to help us learn more about different styles as well.   Comic Club will meet the first and second Wednesday of the month, beginning October 6th.  Comic Club will not meet on ½ day Wednesdays.  Students do not need to make a year long commitment to join and should feel free to schedule their attendance around extra help needs.  Interested students or their parents should email Mrs. Voleti at avoleti@innovationcharter.org, or call x2232
• Yearbook Committee:We are looking for 10-12 8th graders, and a few 7th graders too, to help us create this year's yearbook!  We need students who are creative, organized, and ready to work hard!  We will be meeting once a week beginning in October.  Meeting days will be determined after the committee is selected.  Please either fill out an interest form with Ms. Tarshis or email Ms. Hinkle at khinkle@innovationcharter.org.
• Fashion Design Club: Mrs. Lianos will be offering a Fashion Design Club for students on Tuesday afternoons from 3:15-4:15, beginning September 28^th  and meeting every other week to begin. Meetings will occur in HB Rowling. Students will have an opportunity to design their own fashions/outfits, with a goal to create some of these outfits toward the end of the year.  Mrs. Lianos will be working out more of the details of this with students during our first session, and hope to see their vision for the club. Please contact Katy Lianos at klianos@innovationcharter.org
• Dungeons and Dragons Club: Dungeons & Dragons Club is forming! All of you fighters, wizards, thieves and dungeons masters out there please come to the new D & D club!  Bring your books, dice and imaginations to room 303 Fridays, 3:00-4:00 starting 9/24 with Mrs. Muhigi (kmuhigi@innovationcharter.org). New players are welcome!

 

Student Services:The Student Services PAC is looking for a parent interested in serving as PAC Chair.  The PAC chair schedules and attends PAC meetings, maintains a family contact list, and serves as the main contact for families interested in participating in the PAC. If interested in this role please contact Aimee Voleti at avoleti@innovationcharter.org or 978-649-0432 x2232

 

Student Services PAC mailing list:The Student Services PAC email list will provide families with notice of PAC events and meetings held at Innovation Academy, as well as events held by PACS in surrounding communities. PAC participation is open to all families, regardless of their child's special education status and the goal of the PAC 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.  Parents interested in being placed on the PAC email list should contact Mary Pat Beatty at mbeatty@innovationcharter.org  or call x2230

 

 

Middle School Basketball

All 5 – 8 grade students interested in playing basketball for IACS this winter should make sure all paperwork is on file with the school.  All physicals should be given to the nurse in the Nurse’s Office.  All other paperwork should be given Mr. Lenter.  All paperwork is due by Friday, October 29^th, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Tryouts will begin November 1^st.

 

 

Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting for this school year will take place on Monday, October 18^th at 6:30pm. Please contact Executive Director Walter Landberg at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org for more details.

The following Board Meetings will also be at 6:30pm.

11/15   12/13   1/24     2/28     3/21     4/11     5/16    

6/4-Saturday Board Retreat 9am-2pm & 6/13-Annual Meeting

 

A Message from MIT and Harvard ESP

Dear Students and Parents,

We at MIT ESP would like to introduce you to our sister program, Harvard HSSP. 

The program will run on Saturdays from October 2 to November 13 on the Harvard

Campus.

Online registration for grades 7-12 is now open. The first round of registration

closes on September 25th.  So register SOON at http://esp.mit.edu/learn/HSSP/index.html

Further details are below:

Harvard ESP is proud to announce that their second annual High School Studies

Program (HSSP)is taking place this fall! This year, HSSP will be open to middle

school and high school students in grades 7-12.

 

HSSP is a perfect opportunity for students with diverse interests and a passion

for learning to explore their passions through fun and helpful classes. Our

classes are mostly taught by our very own undergraduates, all of whom have a

genuine interest in the subject they're teaching. With classes that include

"Theoretical Linear Algebra," "Hamlet: An Overview," and "Digital Art," students

will be sure to find classes that they enjoy and that will help nurture their

love of learning.

 

Two-hour classes begin on Saturday, October 2nd and run on seven consecutive

Saturdays until November 13th. All classes will be held on the Harvard

University campus. Online registration is now open at http://esp.mit.edu/learn/HSSP/index.html.

Students may register for up to three classes. The registration fee is $30 per

student and is waived for any student on the free or reduced lunch program.

Financial aid is also available to all students who apply and demonstrate

necessity.

 

We look forward to seeing you this fall at HSSP!

 

Sincerely,

MIT and Harvard ESP

 

 

 

 

Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest - "Vision of Peace"

This international contest is intended to encourage children ages 11 - 13 to creatively express what peace means to them. The 2010-2011 contest theme is "Vision of Peace." The contest allows the students to share their unique image of peace so that we may all have greater tolerance and international understanding.

 

The Billerica Lions is proud to sponsor this contest at the Marshall Middle School, the Locke Middle School, and Billerica students at Innovation Academy. The contest is open to students who will be 11, 12, or 13 years of age on November 15, 2010.

 

Artwork must be no smaller than 13x20 and no larger than 20x24. Do not mat or frame artwork.

 

Only one entry per student per year and each entry must be the work of only one student. All artwork must be the individual students original creation. Duplications are not accepted.

 

All media are accepted. Note - chalk, charcoal, and pastel entries should be sealed with a fixative spray to prevent smearing. Do not laminate entries.

 

Three dimensional entries will not be accepted. Nothing may be glued, stapled or attached to the artwork in any way. The use of lettering or numbering on the front of the poster, in any language, is not allowed. All artist signatures or initials should be written on the back of the poster.

 

Artwork should be done on a flexible material so that it can be rolled for shipping in a mailing tube. Do not fold the poster.

 

Each entry will also require a permission form provided by the Billerica Lions Club to be completed and signed by the parent or guardian at the time of submission. The permission form is attached to this email. Please print as many copies as you will need for your students. The deadline for all entries is Friday, November 5th, to Lion Joan Parcewski, chair of the contest.

 

The contest will be held on November 10th at Billerica Access Television with a small reception for participants and their families and school personnel. There will be a winning entry chosen from each participating school and submitted to the district peace poster competition which is held later in the year.

 

Contact Lion Joan at 978-376-3978 or by email at jparcewski@gmail.com

 

 

 

Dear IACS Family,

 

Back to School Night this Thursday was a great success.  Our Executive Director Walter Landberg introduced many of us to the 100% Club and I made my pledge on the spot!  Please consider contributing to the 100% Club.  Remember it is not the amount people are able to give but the percentage of people that give.  Please contact Walter with questions.

Our athletics teams are off to a great start this season and I encourage all students and families to do their best to attend a game.  I have had the pleasure of watching both soccer and cross country and our students are representing our school as wonderful ambassadors of sportsmanship and teamwork.

Finally, our Sargent Center Trip is fast approaching.  All forms and payments were due yesterday.  If you have not submitted forms or payment you must do so immediately.  Thank you so much for your support of this trip.  We currently have well over one hundred and thirty students who have turned in all their forms.  Please help us get to our goal of 95% participation!

I wish you all a great weekend and am hopeful that the rain will leave us alone for a little while.

Sincerely,

Shamus Brady

7/8 Middle School Principal

 

Half Days: Our next half day dismissal is Tuesday, October 5^th at 12:15pm.

 

More upcoming half days and No School days which

can also be found on our website’s calendar:

Tuesday             10/5:   Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/11:  No School (Columbus Day)

Thursday           10/21:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/25:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  BROADWAY IS COMING TO THE IACS STAGE! 

IACS will present the Tony-Award Winning Broadway musical "Into the Woods" on December 10 and 11!  You won't want to miss this stellar cast and crew in the first (certainly not the last) Innovation Academy High School musical!  See the attached ticket order form for details!

Special offer until October 29th, tickets at $15 each. Starting November 1st, tickets at $18 each.

Do you know someone in the cast or crew of "Into the Woods"?  Would you like to send them a message in the play program?  Or, do you have a business you would like to advertise in the program?  See the attached advertisement order form for information on how to do this while supporting the Performing Arts Program at IACS! 

We are looking for adult volunteers to help in all areas of the high school production of "Into the Woods"!  If you think you might be able to lend a hand in any area, please contact acottle@innovationcharter.org.  Thank you! 

 

Newly Announced Club: Middle School Robotics Club will be starting up after school and run for four weeks on Monday afternoons: October 18, November 1, 8 and 15th.  This club is limited to 12 students, who will each get their own Lego Mindstorms Robotics kit to use during club time.  Club will run from 3:00-4:30.  Students will have a choice of either building a Battle Bot or design and build Artbotics - art that responds to it's environment.  Please e-mail Donna Harrington to sign up at dharrington@innovationcharter.org.

 

7/8 Dance: Friday, October 15^th 7:00pm-9:00pm; 7^th and 8^th grade IACS students only. Students must be picked up promptly at 9:00pm. $5.00 admissions cost and snacks are available for purchase.

 

IACS Lunch Program Help Wanted

Are you looking for a way to fulfill your volunteering hours?  IACS Lunch Program could use your help.  It’s a great way to see how the lunch program works, sample the food & meet the fabulous IACS students. Please email karen.drake@innovationcharter.org to find out more.  

 

Task Force: As mentioned in Executive Director Walter Landberg's recent letter, featured in the "updates" section on our website, the Task Force on Facility and School Expansion will hold regular meetings.  These meetings will be held at the school, are open to the school community and are tentatively scheduled for 7PM on the following dates:  10/4, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8 &11/21. If you are interested in attending to join the meeting and listen to the discussion, please share your plans to attend with Walter Landberg, as dates are subject to change.  You can email Walter at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or call him at 978-649-0432, ext. 2217.

 

 

IACA Hosts Another School Event: So….LET'S GET ROLLING.......

(IACS half day release)

IACA-Roller Skating Party at Roller Kingdom-Tyngsboro

When: Monday, October 25, 2010, 1pm – 3pm

Where: Roller Kingdom 355 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, MA

 

Description:Monday, October 25, 2010, (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.  For grades 5-12. Please join us for a fun filled afternoon! This event is staffed by the Roller Kingdom and is not chaperoned by IACA. Please visit www.iaca.weebly.com for flyer.

 

Picture day: Picture Day is coming up! Friday, October 8^th is picture day. Recently, you should have received an order form with instructions on how to order your child’s school pictures. You can order online anytime before Picture Day at www.coffeepond.com, or fill out your order form and have your child turn it in to our photographers on Picture Day. You don’t need an order form to order online, but if you’ve lost your form and would like a new one, the office should have extras. Orders placed after Picture Day are subject to a handling fee and must be ordered online.  If you have any questions, email us at lifeguards@coffeepond.com or call us weekdays between 9am and 5pm, EST inside Eastern MA at (508) 907-6633, extension 0, or outside Eastern MA at (800) 632-2323, extension 0.

 

Important Information for Any Student Bringing Medications on the Sargent Center Field Trip: All medications that are to accompany students on the Sargent Center field trip must be received by the Health Office at IACS by Wednesday, Oct. 13th.  All medications must be in their original container or prescription bottle with a current prescription label.  All medications must also have the students name on them.  Students are not allowed to carry their own medications while on the field trip unless we have a doctor's order stating so. If you have any questions please call Gayle or Marge in the Health Office at x2104.

 

October is BOX TOPS Month!

Welcome back!  Already, it is time for us to submit our box tops and get some cash for the school.  We're holding a HOMEBASE Challenge.  Have your student submit their box tops in the collection box in the cafe.  BE SURE TO INCLUDE HOMEBASE NAME with your submission.  The Homebase with the most submissions for October will earn a special reward to share.  Can ANYONE BEAT Dave Maier's class???  Remember - we ONLY Collect Box Tops for Education at this time (no Campbell's soup labels or Betty Crocker Points, please!).  High School families - you are welcome to submit at well - we'll find a way to acknowledge your contributions if you include student name and advisory with submission.

Questions?  Contact Kate Conran kateconran@hotmail.com 978-244-1244

 

 

Google Calendars: Thanks to one of our new parents (Mr. Silva)  for typing up helpful hint directions on how to get connected to Google calendars which are used here at IACS. These can also simply be viewed at our website.

 

Login to Google Calendar:

- go to "google.com"

- click on "Sign In", in the upper right corner

- if necessary, click on "Create an account now"

- otherwise, enter e-mail address (username) and password, check "Stay

 signed in", and click on "Sign In"

 

Add the all-school calendar:

- go to "innovationcharter.org/calendar.php"

- click on "+ Google Calendar", in the lower right corner

- when the "Do you want to add this calendar?" box pops up, click on

 "Yes, add this calendar"

 

Add the appropriate per-grade/-class calendar(s):

- go to "sites.innovationcharter.org/academics"

- click on "Middle School" or "High School", as desired

- click on "Major Projects And Deadlines"

- go to the relevant calendar ("Effective Communication Team

 Calendar", "IACS 9th Grade Major Assignments", etc.)

- click on "+ Google Calendar", in the lower right corner

- when the "Do you want to add this calendar?" box pops up, click on

 "Yes, add this calendar"

 

 

Coffee Hours: Walter Landberg, the Executive Director will hosts new family "coffee hours" with the community association (our parent organization).  Come join us in the school cafeteria from 8-9am for a cup of coffee and an open forum chat about IACS on Friday, 10/8.

 

Dear IACS Community: We need your help:

Please take 2 minutes to fill out the following on-line volunteer information form.  This form will provide us with information on what you are interested in and are able to volunteer for. The form is for informational purposes and will not automatically obligate you.. As events come up throughout the year, we will contact you if you have indicated that you have interest in volunteering for a particular event and confirm that you are still able to volunteer. We appreciate your help! Go to the following link to fill out the form: https://spreadsheets2.google.com/viewform?formkey=dC1PV2cwX3A2ZGhUMF9QanZHLXdLa3c6MQ

 

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to complete this volunteer form!

You can also access the form from the IACA website:www.iaca.weebly.com

If you have any questions please contact Susan Howard at: iacsvolunteering@gmail.com

(If the link doesn't bring you to the form you can copy and paste it into your browser and access it from there)

 

CLUBS:

• The National History Day Club: National History Day makes history come alive for America's youth by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural and social experiences of the past. Through hands-on experiences and presentations, today's youth are better able to inform the present and shape the future. NHD inspires children through exciting competitions and transforms teaching through project-based curriculum and instruction. The National History Day contest has two divisions: Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-12).  This year's theme is Debate and Diplomacy: Success, Failure and Consequences. The IACS National History Day club will meet every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00 in room 205 starting September 23rd.  Send an email to Mr. Willoughby (joneilwilloughby@innovationcharter.org) if you would like to join.  If are interested in working on this project, but can not attend meetings on Thursdays, please contact Mr. Willoughby.
• Writing Circle Club: 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 playwriting. At the conclusion of the circle, we share our writing from that day. Writing Circle will meet every Wednesdays starting 9/29 in room 408 from 3:00-4:00. Please contact Ms. Tarshis via email: ztarshis@innovationcharter.org if you are interested! I look forward to writing with you!
• Comic Club: Do you enjoy reading or drawing comics, including Mange?  If so, Comic Club would love to have you as a member.  Comic Club is a place to share work with others, learn about different drawing styles and have fun meeting other students.  You don’t need to be a skilled artist to attend.  At the end of the year, we will publish a book of student work.  This year we hope to bring in guests to help us learn more about different styles as well.   Comic Club will meet the first and second Wednesday of the month, beginning October 6th.  Comic Club will not meet on ½ day Wednesdays.  Students do not need to make a year long commitment to join and should feel free to schedule their attendance around extra help needs.  Interested students or their parents should email Mrs. Voleti at avoleti@innovationcharter.org, or call x2232
• Yearbook Committee:We are looking for 10-12 8th graders, and a few 7th graders too, to help us create this year's yearbook!  We need students who are creative, organized, and ready to work hard!  We will be meeting once a week beginning in October.  Meeting days will be determined after the committee is selected.  Please either fill out an interest form with Ms. Tarshis or email Ms. Hinkle at khinkle@innovationcharter.org.
• Fashion Design Club: Mrs. Lianos will be offering a Fashion Design Club for students on Tuesday afternoons from 3:15-4:15, beginning September 28^th  and meeting every other week to begin. Meetings will occur in HB Rowling. Students will have an opportunity to design their own fashions/outfits, with a goal to create some of these outfits toward the end of the year.  Mrs. Lianos will be working out more of the details of this with students during our first session, and hope to see their vision for the club. Please contact Katy Lianos at klianos@innovationcharter.org
• Dungeons and Dragons Club: Dungeons & Dragons Club is forming! All of you fighters, wizards, thieves and dungeons masters out there please come to the new D & D club!  Bring your books, dice and imaginations to room 303 Fridays, 3:00-4:00 starting 9/24 with Mrs. Muhigi (kmuhigi@innovationcharter.org). New players are welcome!

 

Student Services:The Student Services PAC is looking for a parent interested in serving as PAC Chair.  The PAC chair schedules and attends PAC meetings, maintains a family contact list, and serves as the main contact for families interested in participating in the PAC. If interested in this role please contact Aimee Voleti at avoleti@innovationcharter.org or 978-649-0432 x2232

 

Student Services PAC mailing list:The Student Services PAC email list will provide families with notice of PAC events and meetings held at Innovation Academy, as well as events held by PACS in surrounding communities. PAC participation is open to all families, regardless of their child's special education status and the goal of the PAC 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.  Parents interested in being placed on the PAC email list should contact Mary Pat Beatty at mbeatty@innovationcharter.org  or call x2230

 

IACS Athletics-Monday, October 4 – Saturday, October 9

MS Boys & Girls Soccer: Monday, Oct. 4 vs. FAS – 3:30pm @ Edwards Park

MS XC: Wednesday, Oct. 6 vs. SMiS – 3:30pm @ LeBlanc Park

MS Boys & Girls Soccer: Thursday, Oct. 7 vs. NDA – 3:30pm @ NDA

 

HS MENS Soccer: Tuesday, Oct. 5 @ F. Parker Charter School (JV) – 4:00pm (Devens)

HS WOMENS Soccer: Wednesday, Oct. 6 @ Acad. of Notre Dame – 4:00pm

 

For more information, or list of required materials please refer to the IACS Athletics website at

www.innovationcharter.org.  Click on “Athletics and Activities.”

 

 

Middle School Basketball

All 5 – 8 grade students interested in playing basketball for IACS this winter should make sure all paperwork is on file with the school.  All physicals should be given to the nurse in the Nurse’s Office.  All other paperwork should be given Mr. Lenter.  All paperwork is due by Friday, October 29^th, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Tryouts will begin November 1^st.

 

 

Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting for this school year will take place on Monday, October 18^th at 6:30pm. Please contact Executive Director Walter Landberg at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org for more details.

The following Board Meetings will also be at 6:30pm.

11/15   12/13   1/24     2/28     3/21     4/11     5/16    

6/4-Saturday Board Retreat 9am-2pm & 6/13-Annual Meeting

 

A Message from MIT and Harvard ESP

Dear Students and Parents,

We at MIT ESP would like to introduce you to our sister program, Harvard HSSP. 

The program will run on Saturdays from October 2 to November 13 on the Harvard

Campus.

Online registration for grades 7-12 is now open. The first round of registration

closes on September 25th.  So register SOON at http://esp.mit.edu/learn/HSSP/index.html

Further details are below:

Harvard ESP is proud to announce that their second annual High School Studies

Program (HSSP)is taking place this fall! This year, HSSP will be open to middle

school and high school students in grades 7-12.

 

HSSP is a perfect opportunity for students with diverse interests and a passion

for learning to explore their passions through fun and helpful classes. Our

classes are mostly taught by our very own undergraduates, all of whom have a

genuine interest in the subject they're teaching. With classes that include

"Theoretical Linear Algebra," "Hamlet: An Overview," and "Digital Art," students

will be sure to find classes that they enjoy and that will help nurture their

love of learning.

 

Two-hour classes begin on Saturday, October 2nd and run on seven consecutive

Saturdays until November 13th. All classes will be held on the Harvard

University campus. Online registration is now open at http://esp.mit.edu/learn/HSSP/index.html.

Students may register for up to three classes. The registration fee is $30 per

student and is waived for any student on the free or reduced lunch program.

Financial aid is also available to all students who apply and demonstrate

necessity.

 

We look forward to seeing you this fall at HSSP!

 

Sincerely,

MIT and Harvard ESP

 

 

 

Dear IACS Families,

 

The IACS staff is excited to welcome you to Back to School Night this Thursday, September 30^th from 6-7:30 pm. Back to School Night will provide an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers, see their classrooms, and hear overviews of their courses. We will assemble in the auditorium before heading to homebase classrooms to meet homebase teachers and pick up schedules for the evening. Log-in information for our x2 online database will also be distributed at this time. Using the family portal of the x2 database allows you to view your child’s attendance records and current grades. This is a wonderful communication tool for families to be able to track their child’s progress and learn of any outstanding assignments. Please make a habit of checking x2 weekly  and consider attending an x2 training session on Tuesday, October 12^th from 5:30-6:30 pm or Wednesday, October 13^th from 8:15 am-9:15 am if you are new to using x2.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

 

Enjoy the beautiful weekend ahead!

Best,

Melissa Kapeckas

5/6 Middle School Principal

 

 

Health Office Notice: The Health Office would like to advise you that there has been one case of suspected whooping cough (pertussis) in the high school.  At this time there are not recommendations for antibiotics or further intervention among general schoolmates.  However, parents and guardians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of pertussis.  For further information regarding pertussis you may go to  http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/factsheets/pertussis.pdf.

If you have any other questions please call Gayle or Marge in the health office at 978-649-0432, ext. 2104.

 

Additional Music Information Night - September 27^th at 7PM in the Auditorium.  Andrew Rega of the Music Academy of Chelmsford will be present at the school to inform parents and students about the afterschool music opportunities that will be available this year at IACS. If you attended the session on the 20^th it is not necessary to attend this one.

 

Volunteer Opportunity -- "The History of IACS" -- As many are likely aware, this is our 15th year of the school.  The job of this team of volunteers will be to review, order and organize our extensive files of memorabilia for viewing and storage.  The final product will include a number of scrapbook-like portfolios of articles about the history of the school and other memorabilia and a temporary exhibit on the history of the school.  Ideally, volunteers for these positions will have previous experience with scrapbooking, some artistic/design experience or knowledge and, most importantly, a passion for Innovation Academy!  Contact Walter Landberg, Executive Director if you're interested in taking on this fun assignment:  wlandberg@innovationcharter.org or 978-649-0432, ext. 2217

 

 

Half Days: Our next half day dismissal is Tuesday, September 21^st at 12:15pm. This is our first day for the start of Individual Learning Plan Conferences as well. Your child’s homebase teacher should be contacting you soon if they haven’t already.

 

More upcoming half days and No School days which

can also be found on our website’s calendar:

Tuesday             10/5:   Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/11:  No School (Columbus Day)

Thursday           10/21:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/25:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

 

IACA Hosts Another School Event: So….LET'S GET ROLLING.......

(IACS half day release)

IACA-Roller Skating Party at Roller Kingdom-Tyngsboro

When: Monday, October 25, 2010, 1pm – 3pm

Where: Roller Kingdom 355 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, MA

 

Description:Monday, October 25, 2010, (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.  For grades 5-12. Please join us for a fun filled afternoon! This event is staffed by the Roller Kingdom and is not chaperoned by IACA. Please visit www.iaca.weebly.com for flyer.

 

 

Picture day: Picture Day is coming up! Friday, October 8^th is picture day. Recently, you should have received an order form with instructions on how to order your child’s school pictures. You can order online anytime before Picture Day at www.coffeepond.com, or fill out your order form and have your child turn it in to our photographers on Picture Day. You don’t need an order form to order online, but if you’ve lost your form and would like a new one, the office should have extras. Orders placed after Picture Day are subject to a handling fee and must be ordered online.  If you have any questions, email us at lifeguards@coffeepond.com or call us weekdays between 9am and 5pm, EST inside Eastern MA at (508) 907-6633, extension 0, or outside Eastern MA at (800) 632-2323, extension 0.

 

 

Google Calendars: Thanks to one of our new parents (Mr. Silva)  for typing up helpful hint directions on how to get connected to Google calendars which are used here at IACS. These can also simply be viewed at our website.

 

Login to Google Calendar:

- go to "google.com"

- click on "Sign In", in the upper right corner

- if necessary, click on "Create an account now"

- otherwise, enter e-mail address (username) and password, check "Stay

 signed in", and click on "Sign In"

 

Add the all-school calendar:

- go to "innovationcharter.org/calendar.php"

- click on "+ Google Calendar", in the lower right corner

- when the "Do you want to add this calendar?" box pops up, click on

 "Yes, add this calendar"

 

Add the appropriate per-grade/-class calendar(s):

- go to "sites.innovationcharter.org/academics"

- click on "Middle School" or "High School", as desired

- click on "Major Projects And Deadlines"

- go to the relevant calendar ("Effective Communication Team

 Calendar", "IACS 9th Grade Major Assignments", etc.)

- click on "+ Google Calendar", in the lower right corner

- when the "Do you want to add this calendar?" box pops up, click on

 "Yes, add this calendar"

 

Sargent Center: 7^th and 8th graders: Please see the attached food menu for the Sargent Center Field Trip. Reminder that forms and payment is due back no later than Thursday, September 30^th. Should you have any additional questions please contact Mr. Brady at sbrady@innovationcharter.org ; Ms. McLure at mmclure@innovationcharter.org ; or Mr. Pereyra at fpereyra@innovationcharter.org.

 

 

Interested in Substitute Teaching at IACS? Come to our second session if you missed this weeks on Monday, 9/27 at 9:30 am. Please contact Melissa Kapeckas if you cannot attend, but are interested in substitute teaching at mkapeckas@innovationcharter.org or  978-649-0432 x2229.

 

Coffee Hours: Walter Landberg, the Executive Director will host three new family "coffee hours" with the community association (our parent organization).  Come join us in the school cafeteria on one of the following dates and times for a cup off coffee and an open forum chat about IACS!

• Wednesday, September 29th, 8 am - 9 am
• Friday, October 8th, 8 am - 9 am

 

Request for Parent Volunteers from our Executive Director: This October Innovation Academy will be welcoming a site visit team from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as part of our school’s renewal process.  (A hallmark of charter schools is that they are regularly visited and evaluated by the state)  As part of this process, the site visit team meets with a panel of parents of our school.   The panel should reflect both new and “veteran” families in our school.   If you would like to be a part of the parent panel, please contact our Executive Director Walter Landberg at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org

 

Dear IACS Community: We need your help:

Please take 2 minutes to fill out the following on-line volunteer information form.  This form will provide us with information on what you are interested in and are able to volunteer for. The form is for informational purposes and will not automatically obligate you.. As events come up throughout the year, we will contact you if you have indicated that you have interest in volunteering for a particular event and confirm that you are still able to volunteer. We appreciate your help! Go to the following link to fill out the form: https://spreadsheets2.google.com/viewform?formkey=dC1PV2cwX3A2ZGhUMF9QanZHLXdLa3c6MQ

 

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to complete this volunteer form!

You can also access the form from the IACA website:www.iaca.weebly.com

If you have any questions please contact Susan Howard at: iacsvolunteering@gmail.com

(If the link doesn't bring you to the form you can copy and paste it into your browser and access it from there)

 

CLUBS:

• The National History Day Club: National History Day makes history come alive for America's youth by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural and social experiences of the past. Through hands-on experiences and presentations, today's youth are better able to inform the present and shape the future. NHD inspires children through exciting competitions and transforms teaching through project-based curriculum and instruction. The National History Day contest has two divisions: Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-12).  This year's theme is Debate and Diplomacy: Success, Failure and Consequences. The IACS National History Day club will meet every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00 in room 205 starting September 23rd.  Send an email to Mr. Willoughby (joneilwilloughby@innovationcharter.org) if you would like to join.  If are interested in working on this project, but can not attend meetings on Thursdays, please contact Mr. Willoughby.
• Writing Circle Club: 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 playwriting. At the conclusion of the circle, we share our writing from that day. Writing Circle will meet every Wednesdays starting 9/29 in room 408 from 3:00-4:00. Please contact Ms. Tarshis via email: ztarshis@innovationcharter.org if you are interested! I look forward to writing with you!
• Comic Club: Do you enjoy reading or drawing comics, including Mange?  If so, Comic Club would love to have you as a member.  Comic Club is a place to share work with others, learn about different drawing styles and have fun meeting other students.  You don’t need to be a skilled artist to attend.  At the end of the year, we will publish a book of student work.  This year we hope to bring in guests to help us learn more about different styles as well.   Comic Club will meet the first and second Wednesday of the month, beginning October 6th.  Comic Club will not meet on ½ day Wednesdays.  Students do not need to make a year long commitment to join and should feel free to schedule their attendance around extra help needs.  Interested students or their parents should email Mrs. Voleti at avoleti@innovationcharter.org, or call x2232
• Yearbook Committee:We are looking for 10-12 8th graders, and a few 7th graders too, to help us create this year's yearbook!  We need students who are creative, organized, and ready to work hard!  We will be meeting once a week beginning in October.  Meeting days will be determined after the committee is selected.  Please either fill out an interest form with Ms. Tarshis or email Ms. Hinkle at khinkle@innovationcharter.org.
• Fashion Design Club: Mrs. Lianos will be offering a Fashion Design Club for students on Tuesday afternoons from 3:15-4:15, beginning October 5th and meeting every other week to begin. Meetings will occur in HB Rowling. Students will have an opportunity to design their own fashions/outfits, with a goal to create some of these outfits toward the end of the year.  Mrs. Lianos will be working out more of the details of this with students during our first session, and hope to see their vision for the club. Please contact Katy Lianos at klianos@innovationcharter.org
• Dungeons and Dragons Club: Dungeons & Dragons Club is forming! All of you fighters, wizards, thieves and dungeons masters out there please come to the new D & D club!  Bring your books, dice and imaginations to room 303 Fridays, 3:00-4:00 starting 9/24 with Mrs. Muhigi (kmuhigi@innovationcharter.org). New players are welcome!

 

Student Services:The Student Services PAC is looking for a parent interested in serving as PAC Chair.  The PAC chair schedules and attends PAC meetings, maintains a family contact list, and serves as the main contact for families interested in participating in the PAC. If interested in this role please contact Aimee Voleti at avoleti@innovationcharter.org or 978-649-0432 x2232

 

Student Services PAC mailing list:The Student Services PAC email list will provide families with notice of PAC events and meetings held at Innovation Academy, as well as events held by PACS in surrounding communities. PAC participation is open to all families, regardless of their child's special education status and the goal of the PAC 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.  Parents interested in being placed on the PAC email list should contact Mary Pat Beatty at mbeatty@innovationcharter.org  or call x2230

 

Middle School Basketball

All students interested in playing basketball for IACS this winter should make sure all paperwork is on file with the school.  All physicals should be given to the nurse in the Nurse’s Office.  All other paperwork should be given Mr. Lenter.  For a list of required paperwork, please refer to the IACS Athletics website.  All paperwork is due by Friday, October 29^th, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Tryouts will begin November 1^st.

 

IACS Athletics: Monday, September 27 – Saturday, October 2

MS XC: Monday, 9/27 vs. SJA – 3:30pm @ LeBlanc Park

MS XC: Thursday, 9/30 vs. DMS – 3:30m @ LeBlanc Park

MS GSoccer: Monday, 9/27 vs. SLS – 3:30pm @ LeBlanc Park

MS BSoccer & GSoccer: Tuesday, 9/28 vs. F. Parker Charter School @ Roger’s Field (Devens)

HS Athletics

MENS: Tuesday, Sept. 28 vs. Greater Lowell Tech (JV) – 4:00pm (@ Chelmsford HS)

 

 

Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting for this school year will take place on Monday, October 18^th at 6:30pm. Please contact Executive Director Walter Landberg at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org for more details.

The following Board Meetings will also be at 6:30pm.

11/15            12/13            1/24            2/28            3/21            4/11            5/16           

6/4-Saturday Board Retreat 9am-2pm & 6/13-Annual Meeting

 

Scholastic Book Fair: Don’t forget the Scholastic Book Fair opens on Monday 9/27 at 8:00 am.  Make sure you book your calendar to come visit us.  Each class has a scheduled time that they will be visiting the fair so make sure you send your child with money if you are unable to come with them.  The fair will also be open for Middle School Parent Night on 9/30 from 6- 7:30 pm.  There are a fabulous new books come check them out!

ILPS: Individual learning plan conferences have started. By now you should have your ILP set up with your childs homebase teacher. Please contact him/her if you have not yet set up an ILP. This meeting will include your child as they set goals for the year.

 

A Message from our After School Program; Springboard:

Dear IACS Families,

Springboard is pleased to announce that we will soon be embarking on another year of learning with Innovation Academy Charter School as their after school provider.  Please feel free to view the following attachments.  Attachment 1 will give you a general overview of our program including the options you have at your advantage each day and how to register for those programs.  Attachment 2 will introduce what electives are available each day for the first quarter. 

 

Families have the following options when enrolling:

 

1) Core Program from dismissal to 6:00.  (You may also choose this option if your child is partaking in an IACS sport or club to incorporate homework time before pick up)

2) Core Program and elective from dismissal until 6:00 or

3) Elective from dismissal until 4:30 pick up. 

 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Erin Robinson, Springboard Northeast Area Director, at 978-392-2053 ex. 222

Dear IACS Family,

 

We have just completed our first full week of school after building off of two shorter weeks. 

 

Classes are in full swing and our students have begun work on projects and taken some of their first assessments.  It is very exciting to see high levels of engagement in each and every classroom.  We are eagerly awaiting results from our first school wide assessment so we can use the data to continue to drive our instruction throughout the year. 

 

Our community meetings are going well and we have begun to receive updates from the captains of our sports teams.  All teams are off to a great start and we look forward to amazing seasons on the soccer field and the cross country course.  I had the pleasure of attending our boys and girls soccer games yesterday and both teams played very well and seem poised for great seasons.

 

The 7/8 Sargent trip is barely more than a month away and our students are already getting excited.  It is essential that all forms and payments are turned in by September 30^th.  Remember that financial aid is available and all families should contact Mr. Brady directly and as soon as possible.

 

More information about Back to School Night (9/30^th) will be coming soon. Please plan to arrive promptly at 6pm because we have scheduled events that we want to make sure everyone can attend.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Shamus Brady

Middle School Principal 7/8

 

 

Half Days: Our next half day dismissal is Tuesday, September 21^st at 12:15pm. This is our first day for the start of Individual Learning Plan Conferences as well. Your child’s Homebase should be contacting you soon if they haven’t already.

 

More upcoming half days and No School days which

can also be found on our websites calendar:

Tuesday             9/21:   Early Release (12:15 pm)

Tuesday             10/5:   Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/11:  No School (Columbus Day)

Thursday           10/21:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

Monday             10/25:  Early Release (12:15 pm)

 

Picture day: Picture Day is coming up! Friday, October 8^th is picture day. Picture forms were sent home today with your child.

 

Sargent Center: 7^th and 8th graders: Please see the attached food menu for the Sargent Center Field Trip.

 

Interested in Substitute Teaching at IACS? Come to one of our two sessions Friday, 9/24 or Monday, 9/27 both at 9:30 am. Please contact Melissa Kapeckas if you cannot attend, but are interested in substitute teaching at mkapeckas@innovationcharter.org or  978-649-0432 x2229.

 

IACA Meeting: If you weren’t able to make this year's first IACA meeting (IACA is Innovation Academy's parent organization, similar to the "PTO" at other schools) this past Tuesday, September 14^th  and would like more information, go to our website www.iaca.weebly.com or contact Janet Morris at janetmorris1@verizon.net or 978-439-5140.

 

Coffee Hours: Walter Landberg, the Executive Director will host three new family "coffee hours" with the community association (our parent organization).  Come join us in the school cafeteria on one of the following dates and times for a cup off coffee and an open forum chat about IACS!

• Thursday, September 23rd, 8 am - 9 am
• Wednesday, September 29th, 8 am - 9 am
• Friday, October 8th, 8 am - 9 am

 

Request for Parent Volunteers from our Executive Director: This October Innovation Academy will be welcoming a site visit team from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as part of our school’s renewal process.  (A hallmark of charter schools is that they are regularly visited and evaluated by the state)  As part of this process, the site visit team meets with a panel of parents of our school.   The panel should reflect both new and “veteran” families in our school.   If you would like to be a part of the parent panel, please contact our Executive Director Walter Landberg @  wlandberg@innovationcharter.org

IACA Hosts a School Event! So ….LET'S GET ROLLING!
Please Come to: IACA-Roller Skating Party at Roller Kingdom-Tyngsboro
When: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 1pm – 3pm
Where: Roller Kingdom 355 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, MA

Description:Tuesday, September 21, 2010, (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.  For grades 5-12. Please join us for a fun filled afternoon! This event is staffed by the Roller Kingdom and is not chaperoned by IACA. Please visit www.iaca.weebly.com for flyer.

 

Volunteering:

Dear IACS Community: We need your help! Please take 2 minutes to fill out the following on-line volunteer information form.  This form will provide us with information on what you are interested in and are able to volunteer for. The form is for informational purposes and will not automatically obligate you.. As events come up throughout the year, we will contact you if you have indicated that you have interest in volunteering for a particular event and confirm that you are still able to volunteer. We appreciate your help! Go to the following link to fill out the form: https://spreadsheets2.google.com/viewform?formkey=dC1PV2cwX3A2ZGhUMF9QanZHLXdLa3c6MQ

 

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to complete this volunteer form!

You can also access the form from the IACA website:www.iaca.weebly.com

If you have any questions please contact Susan Howard at: iacsvolunteering@gmail.com

(If the link doesn't bring you to the form you can copy and paste it into your browser and access it from there)

 

CLUBS:

• The National History Day Club: National History Day makes history come alive for America's youth by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural and social experiences of the past. Through hands-on experiences and presentations, today's youth are better able to inform the present and shape the future. NHD inspires children through exciting competitions and transforms teaching through project-based curriculum and instruction. The National History Day contest has two divisions: Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-12).  This year's theme is Debate and Diplomacy: Success, Failure and Consequences. The IACS National History Day club will meet every Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00 in room 205 starting September 23rd.  Send an email to Mr. Willoughby (joneilwilloughby@innovationcharter.org) if you would like to join.  If are interested in working on this project, but can not attend meetings on Thursdays, please contact Mr. Willoughby.
• Writing Circle Club: 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 playwriting. At the conclusion of the circle, we share our writing from that day. Writing Circle will meet every Wednesdays starting 9/29 in room 408 from 3:00-4:00. Please contact Ms. Tarshis via email: ztarshis@innovationcharter.org if you are interested! I look forward to writing with you!
• Comic Club: Do you enjoy reading or drawing comics, including Mange?  If so, Comic Club would love to have you as a member.  Comic Club is a place to share work with others, learn about different drawing styles and have fun meeting other students.  You don’t need to be a skilled artist to attend.  At the end of the year, we will publish a book of student work.  This year we hope to bring in guests to help us learn more about different styles as well.   Comic Club will meet the first and second Wednesday of the month, beginning October 6th.  Comic Club will not meet on ½ day Wednesdays.  Students do not need to make a year long commitment to join and should feel free to schedule their attendance around extra help needs.  Interested students or their parents should email Mrs. Voleti at avoleti@innovationcharter.org, or call x2232
• Yearbook Committee:We are looking for 10-12 8th graders, and a few 7th graders too, to help us create this year's yearbook!  We need students who are creative, organized, and ready to work hard!  We will be meeting once a week beginning in October.  Meeting days will be determined after the committee is selected.  Please either fill out an interest form with Ms. Tarshis or email Ms. Hinkle at khinkle@innovationcharter.org.
• Fashion Design Club: I will be offering a Fashion Design Club for students on Tuesday afternoons from 3:15-4:15, beginning October 5th and meeting every other week to begin. Meetings will occur in HB Rowling. Students will have an opportunity to design their own fashions/outfits, with a goal to create some of these outfits toward the end of the year.  I will be working out more of the details of this with students during our first session, and hope to see their vision for the club. Please contact Katy Lianos at klianos@innovationcharter.org
• Dungeons and Dragons Club: Dungeons & Dragons Club is forming! All of you fighters, wizards, thieves and dungeons masters out there please come to the new D & D club!  Bring your books, dice and imaginations to room 303 Fridays, 3:00-4:00 starting 9/24 with Mrs. Muhigi (kmuhigi@innovationcharter.org). New players are welcome!

 

IACS Athletics This week in Athletics: Monday, September 20 – Friday, September 25

MS Soccer-BOYS: Tuesday, 9/21 vs. SMS – 3:30pm @ Edwards Park;

BOYS & GIRLS: Thursday, 9/23 vs. SJA – 3:30pm @ Edwards Park (GIRLS-F1; BOYS-F2).

HS Soccer WOMENS: Tuesday, 9/21 vs. NDA (JV) – 4:00pm (played at Chelmsford HS) MENS: Thursday, 9/23 @ AMSA (Marlboro) – 4:00pm

 

Middle School Basketball

All students interested in playing basketball for IACS this winter should make sure all paperwork is on file with the school.  All physicals should be given to the nurse in the Nurse’s Office.  All other paperwork should be given Mr. Lenter.  For a list of required paperwork, please refer to the IACS Athletics website.  All paperwork is due by Friday, October 29^th, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Tryouts will begin November 1^st.

 

Board Meeting: The first Board Meeting for this school year will take place on Monday, September 20^th at 6:30pm. Please contact Executive Director Walter Landberg at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org for more details.

The following Board Meetings will also be at 6:30pm.

10/18   11/15   12/13   1/24     2/28     3/21     4/11     5/16    

6/4-Saturday Board Retreat 9am-2pm & 6/13-Annual Meeting

 

Scholastic Book Fair: The Scholastic Book Fair is here again!  It is time to stock up for your fall reading.  The book fair begins on September 27^th and ends October 1^st.  The fair will be open during school hours (8 am – 3 pm).  Check with your child to see what day they are scheduled to come to the fair and you are welcome to join them.  The fair will also be open during Middle School Parent Night on 9/30 (6 – 7:30 pm).  If you would like to volunteer with the fair please contact Karin Bourque at 978-649-5538 or kbourque6@verizon.net

Back to School Night: Back to School night for middle school parents is on Thursday, September 30th from 6-7:30pm. Come meet your child’s teachers and learn about their curriculum. Please note that our format is presentation-style, not open house, so please plan to arrive promptly at 6 pm. You will also receive a user name and password for the X2 database which is used to check your child’s attendance, grades and assignments.

 

Planners: If you haven’t sent in your child’s planner money to their homebase teacher please do so. Planners are an important tool to help keep your child organized. All students are required to purchase one from their homebase teacher.

 

Art donations: Middle School Art is in need of empty and clean cereal boxes. Please break them down and bring them to Mr. Pelham or Ms. Shaby. Thanks!

 

ILPS: Individual learning plan conferences will be held on our first three half days: 9/21, 10/5, and 10/21. Your child’s homebase teacher will be contacting you to schedule a conference time, which will include your child as they set goals for the year.

 

Sargent Center: 7^th & 8^th grade parents: If you have not yet received the Sargent Center Packet of Info sent home with students last Thursday (9/2) please be sure to stop by and pick one up from the Main Office. Forms and payment is due back no later than Thursday, September 30^th. Should you have any additional questions please contact Mr. Brady at sbrady@innovationcharter.org ; Ms. McLure at mmclure@innovationcharter.org ; or Mr. Pereyra at fpereyra@innovationcharter.org.

 

A Message from our After School Program; Springboard:

Dear IACS Families,

Springboard is pleased to announce that we will soon be embarking on another year of learning with Innovation Academy Charter School as their after school provider.  Please feel free to view the following attachments.  Attachment 1 will give you a general overview of our program including the options you have at your advantage each day and how to register for those programs.  Attachment 2 will introduce what electives are available each day for the first quarter. 

 

Families have the following options when enrolling:

 

1) Core Program from dismissal to 6:00.  (You may also choose this option if your child is partaking in an IACS sport or club to incorporate homework time before pick up)

2) Core Program and elective from dismissal until 6:00 or

3) Elective from dismissal until 4:30 pick up. 

 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Erin Robinson, Springboard Northeast Area Director, at 978-392-2053 ex. 222

 

 

 

Dear Families:

 

School is already bustling with activities as students have transitioned from orientation activities to their first classes. New students have been introduced to our four school outcomes of problem-solving, effective communication, self-direction, and community membership, which are part of their daily lives and coursework at IACS. This week, at the 5/6 community meeting, we discussed the outcome of community membership and how we could make each other feel welcome and included as we start the year. Throughout the week, I have seen students take this to heart and make connections with others by inviting new classmates to join their lunch table and introducing themselves on the patio before school.

 

Thank you to families for helping us ensure that our pick up and drop off procedure is safe for our students. As we all learn the system, it gets more efficient each day. Please remember that morning drop off should occur between 7:40-7:55 am. All middle school students are picked up and dropped off on the middle school side of the building. Finally, in the afternoon, please remember to turn off your car and not let it idle excessively for the health of our students per Massachusetts state law.

 

Enjoy the weekend!

 

Best,

 

Melissa Kapeckas

5/6 Middle School Principal

 

Half Days: Our next half day dismissal is Tuesday, September 21^st at 12:15pm.

 

IACA Meeting: Please come to this year's first IACA meeting.

Tuesday, September 14^th at 7pm in the cafeteria. The IACA is Innovation Academy's parent organization, similar to the "PTO" at other schools.  We need your ideas and participation! Hope to see you there. If you are unable to attend and would like more information go to our website www.iaca.weebly.com or contact Janet Morris at janetmorris1@verizon.net or 978-439-5140.

 

Coffee Hours: Walter Landberg, the Executive Director will host three new family "coffee hours" with the community association (our parent organization).  Come join us in the school cafeteria on one of the following dates and times for a cup off coffee and an open forum chat about IACS!

 

• Thursday, September 23rd, 8 am - 9 am
• Wednesday, September 29th, 8 am - 9 am
• Friday, October 8th, 8 am - 9 am

 

 

Request for Parent Volunteers from our Executive Director:
This October Innovation Academy will be welcoming a site visit team from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as part of our school’s renewal process.  (A hallmark of charter schools is that they are regularly visited and evaluated by the state)  As part of this process, the site visit team meets with a panel of parents of our school.   The panel should reflect both new and “veteran” families in our school.   If you would like to be a part of the parent panel, please contact our Executive Director Walter Landberg @  wlandberg@innovationcharter.org

 

Board Meeting: The first Board Meeting for this school year will take place on Monday, September 20^th at 6:30pm. Please contact Executive Director Walter Landberg at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org for more details.

Middle School News:

 

Back to School Night: Back to School night for Middle School parents is on Thursday, September 30^th from 6-7:30pm. Come meet your child’s teachers and learn about their curriculum. You will also receive a user name and password for the X2 database which is used to check your child’s attendance, grades and assignments.

 

Planners: If you haven’t sent in your child’s planner money to their homebase teacher please do so. Planners are an important tool to help keep your child organized. All students are required to purchase one from their homebase teacher.

 

Art donations: Middle School Art is in need of empty and clean cereal boxes. Please break them down and bring them to Mr. Pelham or Ms. Shaby. Thanks!

 

ILPS: Individual learning plan conferences will be held on our first three half days: 9/21, 10/5, and 10/21. Your child’s homebase teacher will be contacting you to schedule a conference time, which will include your child as they set goals for the year.

 

Sargent Center: 7^th & 8^th grade parents: If you have not yet received the Sargent Center Packet of Info sent home with students last Thursday (9/2) please be sure to stop by and pick one up from the Main Office. Forms and payment is due back no later than Thursday, September 30^th. Should you have any additional questions please contact Mr. Brady at sbrady@innovationcharter.org ; Ms. McLure at mmclure@innovationcharter.org ; or Mr. Pereyra at fpereyra@innovationcharter.org.

 

 

A Message from our After School Program; Springboard:

Dear IACS Families,

Springboard is pleased to announce that we will soon be embarking on another year of learning with Innovation Academy Charter School as their after school provider.  Please feel free to view the following attachments.  Attachment 1 will give you a general overview of our program including the options you have at your advantage each day and how to register for those programs.  Attachment 2 will introduce what electives are available each day for the first quarter. 

 

Families have the following options when enrolling:

 

1) Core Program from dismissal to 6:00.  (You may also choose this option if your child is partaking in an IACS sport or club to incorporate homework time before pick up)

2) Core Program and elective from dismissal until 6:00 or

3) Elective from dismissal until 4:30 pick up. 

 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Erin Robinson, Springboard Northeast Area Director, at 978-392-2053 ex. 222

 

 

 

Dear IACS Family,

 

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the start of the 2010-2011 school year.  Our students and staff have spent a wonderful first three days getting to know each other and beginning to set very lofty goals and expectations for the year.  The faculty has provided students with thoughtful overviews of their classes and as I have spent time in classrooms I have been continuously impressed by the clear focus on our school outcomes and academic learning. 

 

It is important for me to remind our community that as the year progresses it will become more and more important to check our online calendar for important and exciting upcoming events.  The calendar can be accessed through the school website.

 

For instance next week on Wednesday the 8^th we will hold an informational meeting for all 7^th and 8^th grade parents about our over night fieldtrip to the Sargent Center in New Hampshire.  Please see the packet sent home with students today for further details.

 

Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, September 30^th.  We look forward to seeing all of our families there!  This will be the first opportunity for parents to receive x2 log ins and begin accessing their students' grades. 

 

In other news we will be holding substitute training very soon for those parents interested in working as substitutes throughout the year.  If you are interested please contact a Middle School Principal.

 

Also, as we are in a Charter Renewal year Walter Landberg our Executive Director will need parents who are willing to take part in focus groups that will meet with our renewal team.  Please contact Walter directly if you are interested at wlandberg@innovationcharter.org

 

Again, I want to say welcome to all of you and thank you all for welcoming me.  As I reflect on a lifetime of first weeks of school as a student, a teacher and an administrator, this has certainly been one of the most rewarding.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Shamus Brady

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

June 11, 2010

 

Dear IACS Families:

 

Thanks to everyone for another great year.  We wish everyone a safe and happy summer.  Next week we will be wrapping up the year and celebrating the end of this year.  Please note that dismissal is at 1:00 on the last day of school, June 16^th.  

 

If you are able to come by the building in the next few days, we have a very large display of lost items on display in the Middle School Commons.  These items will be out on display for students and parents to peruse until noon on Tuesday, June 15^th.  

 

Thanks and have a great weekend!

 

Kathleen Seward

 

News and Happenings

 

Semi –tonight!  Students can still purchase glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets at the semi tonight.  

The semi is open to IACS 8^th grade students only.

The semi is here at school from 7-10 pm.

 

Yearbooks.  There are 30 middle school yearbooks left for purchase.  If you have not already pre-ordered, one could be yours!  They will be sold on a first come, first served basis on June 16^th beginning at 10:30, or you can reserve now by emailing Kathleen Seward.  Please use the words, “I want a yearbook” in the title of your email and make sure you give your student’s name and Homebase.  The cost for yearbooks is $35.00. 

 

A reminder from the Health Office: All student medications will be disposed of at the end of the school year if not collected by  2pm on Thursday June 17th. Thank-you.  

 

IMPORTANT Library news:

Please return our library books!

The final due date for all school library books was June 8th. Please make sure your student has returned their library books! Students with overdue books were given notices on Thursday again this week, and families will be notified by mail as well. NOTE: final grades will be withheld for any student who still owes library books. In the case of lost books, you can replace the books or send a check to IACS to cover the cost. If you replace the book, please attach a note with the student's name and homebase so we can correctly credit your child's library account.  If you have any questions, please contact Carol Gallagher at cgallagher@innovationcharter.org

 

Library News

We would like to thank Ken Dews for building and installing some beautiful new bookcases for our library. These are an important addition to our library that will allow us to expand our collection to match our growing school!

This was a great year for the library, our busiest ever! There are lots of people to thank...Thank you teachers, for making space in class schedules so that students had time to come to the library, and for reminding them every two weeks to return their overdue books! Thanks to the many people who donated new or used books to expand our collection. Thank you, IACA , for running three book fairs this year and donating your Scholastic points that we used to buy over $1,200.00 worth of new books. And, thanks to all the truly awesome library volunteers for their time and dedication!

 

 

 

7^th and 8^th Grade Parent Volunteers needed for Field Day on Monday, June 14^th
Field day for all 7th and 8th graders will be Monday, June 14th.  We could really use some help from family volunteers!  If you would like to spend a fun morning enjoying the outdoors and being creative, please contact Martha McLure (mmclure@innovationcharter.org).  Please let her know if you can come from 8-10 am, 10-12pm, or the whole morning.  Also, please remember to send your student in with a water bottle, sunscreen, and athletic attire that day.

Middle School students are invited to sign up for Robotics Camp at IACS this summer! 
Camp will take place three mornings, June 21-23rd, from 8:30-12:30.  Camp enrollment is limited to 12 students, and each will have their own Lego Mindstorms Robotics kit to work with during the camp!  Campers will learn about building robots and about writing programs to download and make their robot do cool stuff.  Cost of the camp is $120.  The camp will be run by Donna Harrington with the help of high school students from this year's Robotics class.  E-mail dharrington@innovationcharter.org if you would like enroll your child, or to let me know if you would be interested in future robotics camps.

Track and Field Banquet 
Raging Bulls! IACS Squatters! Whatever you call yourself, if you’re part of the IACS Track and Field Team, then mark your calendars for June 21st! On Monday, June 21st from 4-9 is the first ever Track and Field Banquet for IACS. It will be held at the Days Hotel and Conference Center in Methuen, MA. There will be a pool with a lifeguard, patio, a dance floor with a DJ, and a dinner buffet. Tickets are now on sale for $15.50, and you can purchase them from any of the track captains (Megan Lovely, Olivia Paulo, Chris Garvey, Danielle Crawford, Casey Greger, Brianna Mai, Richele Miller, Alexandra Morquette, and Sean Flaherty ). The best times would be before or after school, at track practice, at a track meet, or at the upcoming car wash. Family is welcome, but please try to limit it to one friend outside of the track team. We hope to see you all there, and thank you for supporting the Track and Field Team! (Checks can be made to IACS.) 

IACS Magnets- Have you donated $50 or more to the IACS Annual Fund this school year?  If you have, you are entitled to receive an IACS car magnet.  If you have not received your magnet, please contact Ann Cottle at ext. 2232 or acottle@innovationcharter.org.  Please indicate if you would like your magnet sent home with your child, mailed to your home or if you would like to pick it up at the Main Office.  

News: An 8^th grade student at IACS will be traveling to northern New England this summer to do a service project.  He will be a part of teams from all over New England going to Maine this summer to work on projects for local residents.  The work he will do includes the following:

• Painting
• Insulating
• Carpentry
• Handicap ramps
• Roofing

In Maine, there are also migrant workers who pick blueberries. They spend 12-14 hours a day in pesticide covered fields.  The pesticides soak into their clothes and skin and cause many diseases and other health issues. In order to assist them, the student is asking for community support.    He is conducting a t-shirt and sock drive to help the migrant workers.  From now until the end of school there will be a labeled box in the lobby where you can donate new or used t-shirts of any size.  You can also donate socks of all sizes but they must be new and in the package. 

 

Final Standings
Thanks to all who collected and submitted Box Tops this year!  Our final standings for the Home Base Baseball Contest are listed below.  I’ll be delivering a treat to the top two home bases next week.

You can continue to submit box tops until the end of the school year.  ALSO – PLEASE continue collecting over the summer.  We’ll hold a contest when school resumes  - just to keep things interesting.

FINAL STANDINGS

• First Place – Home Base Gandhi – 824
• Second Place – Home Base Pasteur – 539
• Home Bases Brinker and Mandela have also made submissions totaling over $20 each

Contact Kate Conran:  kateconran@hotmail.com 978-244-1244 with any questions.

 

 

Recycle for $$ for IACS!

 

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 bins 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!!

Show you are a part of our IACS community by dressing in our cozy new IACS gear!

Now available:

 

• Royal blue hooded sweatshirts. They have a large, beautifully done red and silver embroidered IACS Innovation Academy Charter School logo on the front. Available for only $35.00!

                                          

• Cozy, warm and matching sweatpants (also with the IACS Innovation Academy Charter School logo on the front). Available for just $25.00.

 

• Long sleeve red shirt with matching IACS logo on the front. Available for just $20.00

 

 

 

Sweatshirts:                                                          Sweatpants:

 

____ XS Child       ____ XS Adult             ____ XS Child     ____ XS Adult        

____ S Child          ____ S Adult                            ____ S Child         ____ S Adult

____ M Child         ____ M Adult                          ____ M Child       ____ M Adult

____ L Child          ____ L Adult                            ____ L Child        ____ L Adult

____ XL Child       ____ XL Adult             ____ XL Child     ____ XL Adult

 

Long Sleeve Shirt:

____ XS Child     ____ XS Adult  

____ S Child        ____ S Adult                 Hats: $12.00

____ M Child       ____ M Adult

____ L Child        ____ L Adult

____ XL Child     ____ XL Adult

 

 

 

Special Sizes may also be available.  Note desired size here: ____________________

 

 

Please indicate how many of each you would like on the appropriate line above.

 

 

I have attached a check for the total amount of my order which is: $_________

 

 

Child’s name:___________________________Homebase/Advisory:___________________

 

Please contact Sara Ogden at 978-649-0432 x 2230 or sogden@innovationcharter.org for expected delivery date.

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

June 4, 2010

 

Dear IACS Families:                          

 

 

It is hard to believe that June is here already.  Students and staff are busy  finishing up final projects and getting ready for end of the year festivities.  Tonight, I hope to see many of you at the Middle School Art Show.  

 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Kathleen Seward

 

 

News and Happenings

 

Semi News

 Tickets are on sale for the 8^th grade semi.  Tickets are $15, and they will be sold at lunch time.  Students can also purchase glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets in advance to use at the dance on June 11^th.  

 

***If we sell 80 tickets by Wednesday, June 9^th  Mrs. Seward will come to school with pink hair and full clown make-up!!!  So far we have sold 64 tickets, we just need to sell 16 more!*******

 

The dance is open to IACS 8^th grade students only, and it will be here at school from 7-10 pm on June 11^th. 

 

 

Lost and Found: Parents: don’t forget to stop in and check out lost and found located in our Library/ Middle School Commons from 3pm-4pm next Tuesday June 8th- - Friday June 11^th ; It is overflowing with hats, lunchboxes, sweatshirts and all sorts of items that will be donated at the end of the day on Friday June 11^th if not claimed.

 

IACA Meeting: June 7^th 7-8pm at Innovation Academy

Please join us at the monthly meeting of the IACA – everyone is welcome to attend!The Community Association is a non-profit organization that consists of all IACS students, their parents/guardians, and school staff and administration and exists to support the Charter School.  Your support is needed to help make IACS a better place for all.  Please take some time to look over the volunteer opportunities that are available by visiting the IACA site at iaca.weebly.com.  Don't see something that fits your schedule or skills but you have another idea of how you can help?  Please contact janetmorris1@verizon.net and let her know your idea or stop by our next IACA meeting at the school.  Thank you for your support.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

Semi News

 Tickets are on sale for the 8^th grade semi.  Tickets are $15, and they will be sold at lunch time.  Students can also purchase glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets in advance to use at the dance on June 11^th.  

***If we sell 80 tickets by Friday, June 4^th, Mrs. Seward will come to school with pink hair and full clown make-up!!!  So far we have sold 64 tickets, we just need to sell 16 more!*******

The dance is open to IACS 8^th grade students only, and it will be here at school from 7-10 pm on June 11^th. 

 

IMPORTANT Library news:

Overdue Library Books

This week, notices were handed out by homebase teachers to all students who still have overdue library books. Additionally, we have emailed overdue notices to the families of those students.

Please help your student find any IACS library books at home and return them to the library drop-cart.. All books, including current check-outs,  must be back by this coming Tuesday, June 8th. In the case of lost books, you can replace the books or send a check to IACS to cover the cost. If you replace the book, please attach a note with the student's name and homebase so we can correctly credit your child's library account. Note that the school will withhold final grades for any student whose library account is not settled by the end of the year. If you have any questions, please contact cgallagher@innovationcharter.org Thanks for helping our library!

 

Half day: The next half day is June 8^th 12:15 dismissal.

 

Last Day of School

June 16^th, there is a 1:00 dismissal after our annual barbeque!

 

7^th and 8^th Grade Parent Volunteers needed for Field Day on Monday, June 14^th
Field day for all 7th and 8th graders will be Monday, June 14th.  We could really use some help from family volunteers!  If you would like to spend a fun morning enjoying the outdoors and being creative, please contact Martha McLure (mmclure@innovationcharter.org).  Please let her know if you can come from 8-10 am, 10-12pm, or the whole morning.Also, please remember to send your student in with a water bottle, sunscreen, and athletic attire that day.

Middle School students are invited to sign up for Robotics Camp at IACS this summer! 
Camp will take place three mornings, June 21-23rd, from 8:30-12:30.  Camp enrollment is limited to 12 students, and each will have their own Lego Mindstorms Robotics kit to work with during the camp!  Campers will learn about building robots and about writing programs to download and make their robot do cool stuff.  Cost of the camp is $120.  The camp will be run by Donna Harrington with the help of high school students from this year's Robotics class.  E-mail dharrington@innovationcharter.org if you would like enroll your child, or to let me know if you would be interested in future robotics camps.

The Scholastic Spring Book Fair is here! It will run thru June 7th. Middle school students will be and have been attending the fair with their classmates at pre-scheduled times during the week. See the connection for dates and times. You are welcome to drop by during your child’s class or whenever the fair is open.  The Fair will be open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.  It will also be open during the Art Show tonight on June 4th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.        

                                                                              
Monday June 7  Mandela 8:00-8:55 & Edelman 11:30-11:50

Make sure you find time to stop by and pick up books for summer reading!

IACA Basket Raffle Fundraiser
Ticket Sales Raffle tickets for the 25 baskets are still on sale tonight from 6:00 – 7:45 pm during the Middle School Art Show.  Winning tickets will be pulled tonight at 7:45 pm on June 4 at the Art Show.  Prices for the tickets are: 1 for $1; 6 for $5; 12 for $10; 25 for $20.  Photos and descriptions of the baskets are posted on www.iaca.weebly.com.  If you can’t attend the Book Fair or Art Show, contact Gail Falewicz (gfalewicz@comcast.net), Andrea McFeeley (andrea@billerica.org) or Allyson Printz (aprintz@comcast.net) to arrange ticket purchase.  Thank you to everyone who sent in items for the baskets and for supporting the IACA!

 

Track and Field Banquet 
Raging Bulls! IACS Squatters! Whatever you call yourself, if you’re part of the IACS Track and Field Team, then mark your calendars for June 21st! On Monday, June 21st from 4-9 is the first ever Track and Field Banquet for IACS. It will be held at the Days Hotel and Conference Center in Methuen, MA. There will be a pool with a lifeguard, patio, a dance floor with a DJ, and a dinner buffet. Tickets are now on sale for $15.50, and you can purchase them from any of the track captains (Megan Lovely, Olivia Paulo, Chris Garvey, Danielle Crawford, Casey Greger, Brianna Mai, Richele Miller, Alexandra Morquette, and Sean Flaherty ). The best times would be before or after school, at track practice, at a track meet, or at the upcoming car wash. Family is welcome, but please try to limit it to one friend outside of the track team. We hope to see you all there, and thank you for supporting the Track and Field Team! (Checks can be made to IACS.) 

 CAR WASH!!! 
Now let’s think: when’s the last time you had a car wash? Well why not get a new shine for the summer on Sunday, June 6^th? Going from 10-3, the track team will be hosting a car wash in the high school and possibly middle school parking lot to raise money for next year’s team; the money going to more challenging meets, supplies, etc. Cars will be $5.00 each.  Refreshments will be sold, as well as IACS gear like T-shirts and water bottles. Also, please make sure to purchase your tickets for the Track Banquet while you’re there, as time is running out! Anyone is welcome, so call your friends and clients and family and spread the word! We look forward to seeing you, and thank you for supporting the Track and Field Team!

 

IACS Magnets- Have you donated $50 or more to the IACS Annual Fund this school year?  If you have, you are entitled to receive an IACS car magnet.  If you have not received your magnet, please contact Ann Cottle at ext. 2232 or acottle@innovationcharter.org.  Please indicate if you would like your magnet sent home with your child, mailed to your home or if you would like to pick it up at the Main Office.  
An 8^th grade student at IACS will be traveling to northern New England this summer to do a service project.  He will be a part of teams from all over New England going to Maine this summer to work on projects for local residents.  The work he will do includes the following:

• Painting
• Insulating
• Carpentry
• Handicap ramps
• Roofing

In Maine, there are also migrant workers who pick blueberries. They spend 12-14 hours a day in pesticide covered fields.  The pesticides soak into their clothes and skin and cause many diseases and other health issues. In order to assist them, the student is asking for community support.    He is conducting a t-shirt and sock drive to help the migrant workers.  From now until the end of school there will be a labeled box in the lobby where you can donate new or used t-shirts of any size.  You can also donate socks of all sizes but they must be new and in the package. 

LAST CALL

 

·        Summer is coming and NOW is a great time to get your IACS Water Bottle and support the Track and Field team.

·        GO GREEN when you bottle your own water and bring it along

·        Each 16 oz aluminum water bottle comes with a screw-top seal with carabiner for easy transport.

 

Bottles are SILVER Aluminum with a blue logo and are BPA Free

 

Cost is $10/each.  SPECIAL OFFER – 2 for $15

Checks can be made to IACS.

Contact Kate Conran kateconran@hotmail.com 978-244-1244 to purchase your IACS water bottle today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       2010 IACS Student and Staff Year-End BBQ

 

     Wednesday June 16^th

Dismissal will be at 1:00 p.m.

 

It’s time to celebrate the last day of school with the IACS Staff & Student Year-End BBQ.

(Due to the number of students, staff, and volunteers we have to feed, we are not able to provide lunch for family members who are not here to volunteer.)

 

To make this a success, your help is needed!

Volunteers:

            Set-up Crew:    9:00 a.m.

            Cooks:                  9:30-12:00

            Servers:               9:45-12:00

            Clean-up Crew: 12:00 p.m.        

Items to be provided by the IACA:

            Cheeseburgers/Hamburgers

            Hot Dogs

            Boca Burgers

Items needed for donation (please have to school by 9:00 a.m. or before)

            Salads (pasta, potato, garden and fruit)

            Rolls (hamburger and hotdog ~ by the dozen)

            Desserts (NUT-FREE cookies or brownies ~ by the dozen)

            Sliced Watermelon

            Chips (individual bags)

            Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard and Relish)

            Paper plates and Plastic utensils 

            Other creative BBQ favorites      

      

To volunteer or donate any of the above, please e-mail Kerry Wellenstein

wellensteins@comcast.net or call (978)-551-2759.

If you have already responded, please disregard this notice

 

Summer Art & Drama Programs for Middle School Students:

We are still accepting registrations for summer art and drama camp! Please see the attached flyer and registration forms for more information.  Hope you can join us!

 

From the IACA-Gift Cards are Available!

Hello Families & Teachers!

Shopping could not be made easier.  If you want a gift card, or just want to get your gas or groceries and have a % be given directly to IACS, there are 100's of retailers to choose from. Spring is here! Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Graduations, thank you gifts for dance/sports and other “just because” gift need...why not buy a gift card.  You will be charged face value for all gift cards and IACS will receive a % from the gift card company.  We only ask that you contribute $1.00 for your total order to pay cover S&H.  Please go www.glscrip.com to see a complete list of stores and % of sales that will come back to our school. With us you can do all your shopping at once!

There will be two order dates. 

Orders placed by Wednesday April 28, 2010 you will receive your order by Friday May 7, 2010

Orders placed by Wednesday May 19, 2010 you will receive your order by Friday June 4, 2010. It is so simple!

1.  Check out the stores that are listed (either on the attached form or visit www.glscrip.com).

2.  Select the store, denomination and quantity for your Gift Cards.

3.  Fill out the order form.

4.  Add only $1.00 for your total order of Gift Cards.

5.  Please choose if you want the Cards to be sent home with your child or you will pick them up.

6.  Send in a check payable to the IACA or cash for the total order.

7.  Send orders to the school office - Attention: IACA Gift Cards.

 

If you have any questions regarding the Gift Cards or want to send this information to a friend or relative so they can order, please visit Great Lakes Scrip Center web site at www.glscrip.com.  The complete list of retailers is listed there. You can add them to your form. It is really that simple!  Now you can use the cards as gifts or for your own purchases. What an easy way to do your shopping and supporting the IACS! No stores or mall traffic. If you have any questions, please contact me below and happy shopping!!!

 Thank you for your support! Nichole Young nyoung@innovationcharter.org

 

Recycle for $$ for IACS!

 

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 bins 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

Art & Drama Summer Program 2010!

 

 

 

 This summer, we will be offering the following programs:

 

1 Week Art Camp:

                  

Participants in this program will explore drawing, printmaking techniques, and digital photography and photo editing.  We will use our beautiful surroundings as inspiration for our original works of art.

 

2 sessions:

                June 28 – July 2

July 12 – July 16

 

Monday – Friday --- 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

 

Cost:  $175.00/week (including all materials)

 

1 Week Performance Camp:

               

        Participants will spend the week developing a piece that they will perform for family and friends on the final Friday evening.  In addition to preparing as actors in a performance, they will also create props, scenery, and costumes for the show!

 

1 session:  July 6 – July 9

 

Tuesday – Thursday --- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Friday – 8:30 am through end of performance

     (Performance is at 5:30 – kids will stay for the day!)

Cost:   $285.00/week

Both programs will take place at our facility at 72 Tyng Road in Tyngsboro.

 

Space is limited, so sign up early!!

 

      Registration forms and deposits are due by April 30.

Registration form attached to the Connection.

 

 

For further information please contact:

 

Art Camp:

Jennifer Shaby  jshaby@innovationcharter.org

 

Performance Camp:

Rhonda Hawthorne  rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org

Jennifer Shaby jshaby@innovationcharter.org

 

    

Look forward to seeing you there!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

IACS Gear is here!!

Show you are a part of our IACS community by dressing in our cozy new IACS gear!

Now available:

 

• Royal blue hooded sweatshirts. They have a large, beautifully done red and silver embroidered IACS Innovation Academy Charter School logo on the front. Available for only $35.00!

                                          

• Cozy, warm and matching sweatpants (also with the IACS Innovation Academy Charter School logo on the front). Available for just $25.00.

 

• Long sleeve red shirt with matching IACS logo on the front. Available for just $20.00

 

 

 

Sweatshirts:                                                          Sweatpants:

 

____ XS Child       ____ XS Adult             ____ XS Child     ____ XS Adult        

____ S Child          ____ S Adult                            ____ S Child         ____ S Adult

____ M Child         ____ M Adult                          ____ M Child       ____ M Adult

____ L Child          ____ L Adult                            ____ L Child        ____ L Adult

____ XL Child       ____ XL Adult             ____ XL Child     ____ XL Adult

 

Long Sleeve Shirt:

____ XS Child     ____ XS Adult  

____ S Child        ____ S Adult                 Hats: $12.00

____ M Child       ____ M Adult

____ L Child        ____ L Adult

____ XL Child     ____ XL Adult

 

 

 

Special Sizes may also be available.  Note desired size here: ____________________

 

 

Please indicate how many of each you would like on the appropriate line above.

 

 

I have attached a check for the total amount of my order which is: $_________

 

 

Child’s name:___________________________Homebase/Advisory:___________________

 

Please contact Sara Ogden at 978-649-0432 x 2230 or sogden@innovationcharter.org for expected delivery date.

 

 

 

Recycle for $$ for IACS!

 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 bins 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

 

The Connection

The Weekly Newsletter of IACS-MS

 

From the Principal

May 21, 2010

 

Dear IACS Families:                          

 

By next Friday, students should have completed their portfolios for the year.  While many students have met this deadline already, there are some students who have not.  Please be sure to ask you child if s/he has met the requirements and make a plan for it to be finished if s/he has not.

 

The High School Drama Department will be presenting The Princess Bride this evening at 7pm and twice tomorrow at 2pm and at 7pm.  The show promises to be a hit!  Tickets will be available at the door for $10.  Seating is limited so please arrive early.

 

Eighth grade families will be receiving a letter about the upcoming 8^th grade semi-formal dance and the 8^th grade moving up celebration.  Both are events to celebrate the end of middle school for our 8^th grade students.  Please be sure ask your student to give this to you when he/she comes home from school today.  The letter is also attached to The Connection. 

 

Best, Kathleen Seward

 

 

 

News and Happenings

 

Semi News

 Tickets are on sale for the 8^th grade semi.  Tickets are $15, and they will be sold at lunch time.  Students can also purchase glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets in advance to use at the dance on June 11^th.   The dance is open to IACS 8^th grade students only, and it will be here at school from 7-10 pm on June 11^th. 

If you are available to help chaperone, set-up, or clean up, please contact Sheila Hingorani.  We need about 5-10 volunteers who are not current 8^th grade parents to help with set-up.  Please contact Sheila if you can help.   She can be reached by email at: michael2sheila@hotmail.com.  The committee is also looking for the following donations:

-black lights

-brightly colored balloons (empty)

-Paper (very bright, almost fluorescent) in the following colors: orange, bright green, blue, yellow

-Long sheets of black paper

If you can help with any of these items, please email Michelle Rosenberg at: iacssemi10@yahoo.com. 

 

 

THE PRINCESS BRIDE COMES TO IACS THIS WEEKEND!

Fencing!  Fighting!  Torture!  Revenge!  Giants!  Monsters!  Chases!  Escapes!  True love!  Miracles!  All this and more is coming to our auditorium THIS FRIDAY at 7:00pm and SATURDAY at 2:00 and 7:00pm!  Tickets are $10 and will be available on a first come, first served basis at the door!  Please email nyoung@innovationcharter.org with ticket questions.  We hope to see you and your family there!

 

Quality Night Make Up: Quality Night make up night will be 5/27 from 6-7pm

 

Last Day of School

June 16^th, there is a 1:00 dismissal after our annual barbeque!

The Home Stretch
While we collect Box Tops year-round, we are coming into the FINAL WEEK for you to make a submission for your Homebase or Advisory that will count towards our Box Tops Baseball contest – the FINAL contest of this school year.

Check your drawers, your back packs, your desks for any Box Tops you’ve been collecting that you’ve not yet submitted.  The blue plastic collection box is in the Cafeteria on the window sill.  Be sure to include your Homebase/Advisory name with your submission to get credit. We are only collecting Box Tops for Education (Campbell’s Soup Labels and Betty Crocker Points will not count).

CURRENT STANDINGS
First Place – Home Base Gandhi – 769
Second Place – Home Base Pasteur – 539
Third Place – Home Base Mandela – 180
Home Bases Rowling, Brinker and Gates have also made submissions.

Contact Kate Conran:  kateconran@hotmail.com 978-244-1244 with any questions.

Middle School students are invited to sign up for Robotics Camp at IACS this summer! 
Camp will take place three mornings, June 21-23rd, from 8:30-12:30.  Camp enrollment is limited to 12 students, and each will have their own Lego Mindstorms Robotics kit to work with during the camp!  Campers will learn about building robots and about writing programs to download and make their robot do cool stuff.  Cost of the camp is $120.  The camp will be run by Donna Harrington with the help of high school students from this year's Robotics class.  E-mail dharrington@innovationcharter.org if you would like enroll your child, or to let me know if you would be interested in future robotics camps.

Mark your calendars ……The Scholastic Spring Book Fair is coming June 1st thru June7th. Students will be attending the fair with their classmates at pre-scheduled times during the week(see below)  You are welcome to drop by during your child’s class or whenever the fair is open.  The Fair will be open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.  It will also be open during the Art Show on June 4th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 
Class Schedule:
Tuesday June 1st                                                                             Thursday June 3
Bell 8:00-8:55                                                                                  Russell 8:00-8:55
Ghandi 11:53-12:53                                                                         Brinker 8:00-8:55 Wednesday June 2                                                                         Friday June 4
Rowling 8:00-8:55                                                                        O’Connor 8:00-8:55
Edelman 9:54-10:49                                                                      Gates 8:00- 8:55
Salk 11:53-12:53                                                                           Keller 8:00-8:55
Copernicus 12:55-1:50                                                                    Barton 9:54-10:49
Winfrey 12:55-1:50                                                                          Pasteur 1:52-2:47                                                                                          Rosa Parks 1:52-2:47
Monday June 7
Mandela 8:00-8:55

Make sure you find time to stop by and pick up books for summer reading!

 

IACA Basket Raffle Fundraiser Ticket Sales

Raffle tickets for the 22 baskets will be on sale on Friday, May 21 and 22 before and after the three High School play performances; June 1 – 4 during the day at the Book Sale; and Friday, June 4 from 6:00 – 7:45 pm during the Middle School Art Show.  Winning tickets will be pulled at 7:45 pm on June 4 at the Art Show.  Prices for the tickets are: 1 for $1; 6 for $5; 12 for $10; 25 for $20.  Photos and descriptions of the baskets will be posted on www.iaca.weebly.com.  Thank you to everyone who sent in items for the baskets!  Questions?  Contact Gail Falewicz (gfalewicz@comcast.net), Andrea McFeeley (andrea@billerica.org) or Allyson Printz (aprintz@comcast.net).

 

 

HYDRATE:

·        Now you can hydrate in STYLE with your very own aluminum IACS water bottle!

·        GO GREEN when you bottle your own. 

·        Each bottle comes with a screw-top seal with carabiner for easy transport.

·        Proceeds of the sale support the IACS Track and Field Team.

Bottles are SILVER Aluminum with a blue logo and are BPA Free

Cost is $10/each – SPECIAL OFFER – Two for $15!

Checks can be made to IACS.                                                

See any of the Track Team captains after practice –or-

Contact Kate Conran kateconran@hotmail.com 978-244-1244 to purchase your IACS water bottle today!

 

Going to Garden? Buy online and benefit IACS!

Simply visit http://www.botanicalinterests.com/store/register_affiliate.php?AffiliateId=201 and all 40% of the purchase price is given back to the school to further support our campus gardening projects!! The seed prices are not inflated for, this is the same price you would pay at the "big box" stores. I have personally used these seeds for years and this company offers a fantastic diversity of high quality organic and non-GMO seeds.

Thanks! Kellie Burtch kburtch@innovationcharter.org

 

Summer Art & Drama Programs for Middle School Students:

We are still accepting registrations for summer art and drama camp! Please see the attached flyer and registration forms for more information.  Hope you can join us!

 

From the IACA-Gift Cards are Available!

Hello Families & Teachers!

Shopping could not be made easier.  If you want a gift card, or just want to get your gas or groceries and have a % be given directly to IACS, there are 100's of retailers to choose from. Spring is here! Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Graduations, thank you gifts for dance/sports and other “just because” gift need...why not buy a gift card.  You will be charged face value for all gift cards and IACS will receive a % from the gift card company.  We only ask that you contribute $1.00 for your total order to pay cover S&H.  Please go www.glscrip.com to see a complete list of stores and % of sales that will come back to our school. With us you can do all your shopping at once!

There will be two order dates. 

Orders placed by Wednesday April 28, 2010 you will receive your order by Friday May 7, 2010

Orders placed by Wednesday May 19, 2010 you will receive your order by Friday June 4, 2010. It is so simple!

1.  Check out the stores that are listed (either on the attached form or visit www.glscrip.com).

2.  Select the store, denomination and quantity for your Gift Cards.

3.  Fill out the order form.

4.  Add only $1.00 for your total order of Gift Cards.

5.  Please choose if you want the Cards to be sent home with your child or you will pick them up.

6.  Send in a check payable to the IACA or cash for the total order.

7.  Send orders to the school office - Attention: IACA Gift Cards.

 

If you have any questions regarding the Gift Cards or want to send this information to a friend or relative so they can order, please visit Great Lakes Scrip Center web site at www.glscrip.com.  The complete list of retailers is listed there. You can add them to your form. It is really that simple!  Now you can use the cards as gifts or for your own purchases. What an easy way to do your shopping and supporting the IACS! No stores or mall traffic. If you have any questions, please contact me below and happy shopping!!!

 Thank you for your support! Nichole Young nyoung@innovationcharter.org

 

Recycle for $$ for IACS!

 

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 bins 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

 

The IACS High School Drama Program is Holding AUDITIONS!

Are you going into 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade?  If so, please consider joining us for auditions for the award-winning musical "Into the Woods"!  No experience is necessary!  Simply join us in the auditorium on Wednesday, May 26, 3:00-5:30 in the auditorium!  If needed, callbacks will be held on Thursday, May 27, 3:00-4:30.  The performance will be held in December, 2010.  No preparation is necessary!  However, if you would like to see the audition scripts, simply email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org. 

 

 

Innovation Academy Charter School Announces

Auditions for the Award Winning Musical

 

(Auditions for students who will be attending IACS High School next year)

 

 Into the Woods!

Wednesday, May 26, 3:00-5:30

in the IACS auditorium

 

Callbacks are Thursday, May 27, 3:00-4:30

 

(Performances to be held in late fall, 2010.) 

 

Please come prepared with a 1 minute or less

a capella song to sing. 

 

(Happy Birthday and The National Anthem are great!)

 

Whether you have never been in a play before or you have years of experience,

we would love to see you at auditions!

 

Questions?  Please contact Drama Director

 

Rhonda Hawthorne at rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org

 

Art & Drama Summer Program 2010!

 This summer, we will be offering the following programs:

 

1 Week Art Camp:

                  

Participants in this program will explore drawing, printmaking techniques, and digital photography and photo editing.  We will use our beautiful surroundings as inspiration for our original works of art.

 

2 sessions:

                June 28 – July 2

July 12 – July 16

 

Monday – Friday --- 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

 

Cost:  $175.00/week (including all materials)

 

1 Week Performance Camp:

               

        Participants will spend the week developing a piece that they will perform for family and friends on the final Friday evening.  In addition to preparing as actors in a performance, they will also create props, scenery, and costumes for the show!

 

1 session:  July 6 – July 9

 

Tuesday – Thursday --- 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Friday – 8:30 am through end of performance

     (Performance is at 5:30 – kids will stay for the day!)

Cost:   $285.00/week

Both programs will take place at our facility at 72 Tyng Road in Tyngsboro.

 

Space is limited, so sign up early!!

 

      Registration forms and deposits are due by April 30.

Registration form attached to the Connection.

 

 

For further information please contact:

 

Art Camp:

Jennifer Shaby  jshaby@innovationcharter.org

 

Performance Camp:

Rhonda Hawthorne  rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org

Jennifer Shaby jshaby@innovationcharter.org

 

    

Look forward to seeing you there!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

IACS Gear is here!!

Show you are a part of our IACS community by dressing in our cozy new IACS gear!

Now available:

 

• Royal blue hooded sweatshirts. They have a large, beautifully done red and silver embroidered IACS Innovation Academy Charter School logo on the front. Available for only $35.00!

                                          

• Cozy, warm and matching sweatpants (also with the IACS Innovation Academy Charter School logo on the front). Available for just $25.00.

 

• Long sleeve red shirt with matching IACS logo on the front. Available for just $20.00

 

 

 

Sweatshirts:                                                          Sweatpants:

 

____ XS Child       ____ XS Adult             ____ XS Child     ____ XS Adult        

____ S Child          ____ S Adult                            ____ S Child         ____ S Adult

____ M Child         ____ M Adult                          ____ M Child       ____ M Adult

____ L Child          ____ L Adult                            ____ L Child        ____ L Adult

____ XL Child       ____ XL Adult             ____ XL Child     ____ XL Adult

 

Long Sleeve Shirt:

____ XS Child     ____ XS Adult  

____ S Child        ____ S Adult                 Hats: $12.00

____ M Child       ____ M Adult

____ L Child        ____ L Adult

____ XL Child     ____ XL Adult

 

 

 

Special Sizes may also be available.  Note desired size here: ____________________

 

 

Please indicate how many of each you would like on the appropriate line above.

 

 

I have attached a check for the total amount of my order which is: $_________

 

 

Child’s name:___________________________Homebase/Advisory:___________________

 

Please contact Sara Ogden at 978-649-0432 x 2230 or sogden@innovationcharter.org for expected delivery date.

 

 

 

Recycle for $$ for IACS!

 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 bins 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