message tuesday

Experiments...check
Papers....check
Display Boards....check
Presentation....check

All accomplished and students are breathing easier!  Be here tonight at 7:00 pm to peruse the rows of science projects, each carefully researched and presented.  In addition to the individual projects, there are some intriguing group projects from the preschool, kindergarten and 1st/2nd grade classes.  

Thank you to our list of stellar judges who had the difficult task of choosing the top three projects in each class!

3rd-4th 
1.  Nathan Chambers
2.  Christi Wenzek
3.  Kelsey Chambers
 
5th-6th 
1.  Sarah Chappelle
2.  Troy Mattson
3.  Bill Criswell
 
7th-12th 
1.  Del Hardesty
2.  Lisa Butters
3.  Christi Dunn

Reminder:  Tomorrow is an early release day at 12:30.

We have two new students joining us this quarter!  I hope you will have an opportunity to welcome the families of Addylan to kindergarten and Keyara to our junior high! 

Science Fair is a week from today.  It seems there are many experiments afoot and I am anticipating an inspiring event next Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm.  The kindergarten and 1st/2nd grades will have displays for their class projects.  Starting with 3rd grade each student develops an individual project including an experiment and display board as well as a verbal presentation and research paper.  Students will each be observed and questioned by three judges during the day Tuesday, then Tuesday evening we invite parents and friends to come and see the displays.  Attendees will also be able to vote for their favorite in each class.  

Tuesday is a dress protocol day all day, including the evening event.  Please have those outfits tidy and ready to roll out Tuesday morning!

Here is a link to a GREATPUZZLEHUNT.COM   coming up in Bellingham April 14th.  It looks like a brain-stretching, puzzle-solving fun way to spend a weekend with your family. 

​Often at the beginning of the calendar year the staff and I talk about entering “retraining mode”.  It seems the straight lines, hushed hallways and calm classrooms have faded somewhat from their former September glory, and we all need a refresher course on expectations.  It is in that spirit that I would like to gently remind parents as well about being punctual for drop-off and pick-up times.  No detailed explanation necessary, just a kind reminder that classes begin at 8:45 and it is as equally important that you are here for a 3:30 pick up time.   Thank you for participation in the joy of “retraining” season! 

School safety is often on the minds of parents these days.  I thought it might be helpful to let you know it is also regularly on our minds.  We are always looking for ways to make ICA as safe as we can for your students and the staff.  Here are some of our current practices:

1. Each staff member has an Emergency Handbook that gives protocol for a wide variety of  specific emergency situations.
2. We practice monthly evacuation and communication drills.  Each class has a bucket the teacher carries to each drill with emergency supplies, a radio and contact information for parents and other staff. 
3. Several times a year our staff verbally practice different types of lockdown and/or evacuation scenarios.  We talk through some of the best practices and recommendations for intruder and active shooter situations. 
4. With the exception of one door we use for recess access and a door for church access (when the office administrator is in), all other doors in the building are locked during the school day.
5. Visitors must check in at the office for approval and wear a badge during the time they are in the building.  Staff are encouraged to engage anyone without a visitor badge.
6.  In the next month we will be installing new door hardware which will make our building even more secure. 

Although we would like to think our small island is immune to these types of dangers, the reality is that we must be prepared for any possibility.   Today I want you to know that safety is a big deal to me and the school leadership.   

​Brenda

Thank you for taking the time to re-enroll your students this past week!  I am glad to report re-enrollment is strong, with 1st/2nd grade already full.  As we add students to the waiting list we will consider splitting that class.  5th/6th grade is also nearly full.  At the end of the day Monday, the first day of open-enrollment, seven new students had already enrolled school-wide.  This helps so much in planning staffing and room usage for next school year!  I appreciate your response.
​
Quests:
One of the practices from childhood that has given me the greatest return for the investment is memorizing scripture.  Many, many times as an adult the Word of God that I memorized earlier in life has come to my mind at the exact moment I needed the message. 

Today I introduced the first house Quest of 3rd quarter to our students at our Monday morning gathering: the Spiritual Quest.    If you would like to help or encourage your student to participate in this self-leadership program, here are the specifics:

Memorize part or all of Proverbs 4:20-27 which talks about the benefits of learning wisdom.

Students receive 10 house points for every verse memorized.  They can collect their points anytime during the quarter by saying their verse(s) to Mrs. Ohme or Mrs. Chittim during a break or recess.

20My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.
 
Some ideas for Bible memory: 
Say the verses in the car on the way to school.
Make flashcards for your student to practice when they are waiting for something (replace those cell phone video games for a few days.)
Post a verse each week in a place the student can see it regularly – like while they are brushing their teeth.
In my opinion there is nothing one can memorize that will have a longer lasting benefit than the Word of God. 

Two reminders today:

1.  This is Re-enrollment week.  This year we have  families who would like their students to attend ICA next year who are ready to jump on enrollment when it opens to the general public next week.  If you would like retain a place in the classroom next year, please complete the on-line enrollment and submit the fee before the end of the week.   We would love to have every student return!  It is a fantastic group!

2.  Tonight is our third quarter awards and Electives Week Showcase dinner.  It begins at 6:00 pm, and should be finishing up by 7:30.  Your whole family is invited to celebrate the achievements of the past quarter and enjoy Mrs. Chambers' taco bar!  

Brenda