message tuesday

We hope to see you this evening for Back to School Night.  This is an opportunity to learn about the expectation and classroom practices that will help your child succeed at ICA this year.  Each teacher will conduct their presentation at 6:30 and again at 7:15.  This is an informational meeting.  If you would like to talk with the teacher specifically about your student, they would be glad to set up a meeting time at a later date.  Students do not attend this event.

It would be helpful to the staff if everyone could read over the ICA dress code below if you haven't recently. (taken from the family handbook page 10 and 11.)  Although we don't require daily uniforms, we do believe students' dress influences their mindset for learning.  Please help be sure your students are ready to learn every day!  

Dress and Appearance

The expectation for student's dress at ICA is "clean, neat, and modest". 

For girls that means tank tops, spaghetti strap shirts or dresses, and off-the-shoulder tops are not appropriate.  Shirts should cover both the stomach and adequately cover the chest and shoulders.  Skirts should be of a modest length that is within a few inches of the knee. 

For boys that means no tank tops, and pants and shorts must fit well enough to cover undergarments. 

For all:            

• Pants worn must be Chino/Khaki-type pants or jeans. 
• No sweat pants or athletic pants. 
• Girls in 3rd grade and up may wear leggings only when worn with a skirt or a dress. 
• Length of skirt/dress should be no shorter than half way between crotch and knees. 
• Shoes must be worn at all times.  (Flip-flops and sandals without straps around the back of the foot are not allowed.) 
• All clothing is to be without rips, tears, or holes. 
• Clothing with words, pictures or logos must be appropriate.  If you're not sure, it's probably not appropriate. 
• No billed hats are to be worn in the building.  Hoods on hoodies should not be worn while in the building.

For our Preschool students, please have them dress in comfortable clothing that fits properly.  Two complete changes of clothing, including socks, are to be kept at the school.  Any borrowed clothing must be laundered and returned to school.  Coats, hats, gloves, and warm clothing are to be worn during the cooler months.  We do go outside to play even if it is cold.

Body piercing (other than ears) and tattoos are discouraged.

Teachers and Administration will have the final discretion on a student's attire.  If a student wears something the staff deems inappropriate, a teacher or administrator may discretely make them aware of the inappropriateness of their attire.  If the student continues to wear the clothing on another day, after being asked not to, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing.


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​The simultaneous emotions of anticipation and anxiety seem to work their way into the first day of school.  Some lean more one way than the other, but hopefully all will find joy in their day before they get home.  Even I get a few butterflies on the first day of school!

Thank you to Matt and Barb and their SWAG crew who whipped us up such a wonderful breakfast burrito bar this morning.  It was a great way to kick off day one with community prayer and scrumptious food!  

Staff are what make ICA a wonderful place to grow and learn.  I would like tell you right from the start how thankful I am for each one who will be here this year investing their time and energy into the students.  Most are returning, but here are a few new additions:
Lynn Miller:  PE for elementary and secondary as well as various support staff roles
Shannon Dixon: 2nd grade teacher
Goldie Christensen:  Not new to ICA, but in an expanded role this year as support staff
Emily Heggenes:  Emily has been an ICA parent for several years, but has come on staff this year as the PreK teacher.

Mrs. Wilmoth will be breathing some new life into our house program as well as coaching the house leaders as she did last year.
Mrs. McGill will be also introducing some new inspiration for Readers of the Round Table.  (If you weren't here this morning for breakfast, ask your student about meeting the Queen.)

We also have 12-15 new families whom I hope returning families will be able to connect with and make them feel a welcome part of our ICA community.

We are starting the year with 120 students and 74 families - a record attendance year for ICA!

Take note:
One change I would like to communicate early on involves dress protocol days.  We will be adding chapel days to our dress protocol list beginning October 10th with a practice protocol day for everyone.   The reasoning is that dress protocol affects student performance and behavior, in addition, wearing them more often gives us more practice doing it well so that when we do have a day we want to look sharp (like Grandparents Day and other regular dress protocol days), we have worn them enough to present ourselves well.  (There are lots of other reasons for uniforms, which I can talk with you about if you would like.) 
 On chapel days only students may wear black athletic shoes (some have white bands around the bottom - which is fine).  Black or Navy dress shoes are required for dress protocol days.

Glad your family is a part of ICA this year!
Brenda

Lots of important announcements below.  

​Kindergarten Graduation tonight at 6:30 pm!

Packets on the way - watch the backpack:  Tomorrow (kindergarten today) students will be bringing home a packet to look for!  It includes a letter from next year's teacher and any enrollment papers that might still be missing.  We're hoping to wrap all those up by Friday, so take a peek right away!

Summer Reading Incentive:  Reading is the foundation for learning here at ICA, and books can be great pals over the summer!  Teachers for next year have also included recommendations for summer reading in the packets mentioned above.  Students completing the teacher's requirement will receive a $5 Sprinklz coupon in September!

Is your child's closet seeming empty?  It's all here at school!  I think we have enough lost and found to have our own ICA garage sale (maybe a little hyperbole).  It will all head to Good Cheer next week, so please stop by the tables the next couple of days and see if any of it looks familiar.  Just too bad the Gore Tex jacket isn't my size!

Reminder of the new tuition payment schedule:  You will receive your first invoice for tuition this year in July payable August 1st.  That way next year you won't need to make a June payment!  What a deal!  Thanks for making this helpful change with us.  

Just about to call it a year!  Hope you can join us Thursday as we take a look back over all we have had the privilege to experience here at ICA with our year-end slide show!  Thursday starting at 11:00 am with High School graduation and quarterly awards!

 Today I want to highlight a couple of last-week-of-school events, so you can put it on your calendar if you would like to attend any of them:

June 10th-12th Pastor Matt and some of the secondary staff are hosting a end-of-year field trip to the Tri-Cities area.  They will be touring a wind power plant near the Columbia River Gorge on the way as well as examining the Hanford nuclear site along with several other fun events along the way.  

June 11th: Kindergarten Graduation 6:30  pm

June 13th (last day):
9:00 am PreK moving on up program.  We'll have an official red carpet "walk-across" to Mrs. Phillip's kindergarten class followed by a brief program in the foyer for parents.
10:30  6th grade walk across through the secondary "tunnel" of classmates to be welcomed to the secondary school.
11:00 High School graduation.  The student body will all join together as we celebrate with four ICA graduates this year.  
11:30(ish) We don't have it down to the minute, but as soon as graduation is complete, we'll move right in to our 4th quarter awards along with a show of appreciation for this year's staff and volunteers.  Topping it off will be the year-end slide show and a reception in the gym to wish the graduates well!
12:30 the school year is conquered!  Students whose parents are in attendance are welcome to leave as soon as the slide show is over.

​Pretty soon I'll start talking to you about standardized testing and year-end events, but today I'm hoping you have just five minutes to read this article by one of my heroes of parenting, James Dobson.  In the article he answers the question, "What is the most common error made by parents in the disciplining of their children?"  Great question and brilliant answer that I believe will be worth your effort.  I hope you take time to read it!

​​​​​​​Brenda

​Just in case you haven't heard the news, this week is the week we set aside to show our appreciation to our teachers and support staff.  Although we try to develop a culture of thankfulness all throughout the year, this week we give focused attention to being grateful for the self-less dedication they give to their work here at ICA.  

The house leaders on the Student Council have joined with the PICA parents to do a little something for the staff every day this week, but it you would like to give your child the experience of showing his or her gratitude personally, we have compiled a list of each staff person's favorite drink, plant, meal, treat and color.  If you would like that list for your specific target, you are welcome to respond to this email or ask Angela at the front desk, and we will be glad to accommodate!

All school photo this Thursday:  The other big deal this week is that we are taking the annual all-school photo which will grace the front of the yearbook as well as  my office wall as the reminder to posterity of the 2018-19 school year at Island Christian Academy.  Please remind your student to wear their house colors Thursday!

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​Hope to see you at noon today for our 3rd Quarter Awards luncheon!

Nine students who will be representing our school at the Interschool Speech meet tomorrow in Bothel will be presenting today right at noon.

During lunch, which will be served about 12:20, we will role slides from the Spring Break Italy trip taken by several of our staff and students.  Following that, we'll present our quarterly awards.  

Just in case you can't make it, I've attached a list of this quarter's academic and house awards.  (spoiler alert - don't look if you plan to be here!)

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Today is the last day of third quarter, and report cards will soon be headed your way.  We encourage all parents to call soon to reserve a time for parent teacher conferences (April 25-26) so you can learn how best to help your student finish the year strong.  

Spring Cleaning Day:  This Saturday, April 13 from 9-1 pm we will be having a school-wide clean up day.  This is a great time to "clean up" any volunteer hours you may have left for this school year.  Lunch is provided, so please call or email the school office to let us know how many are coming with you.   Hours can be earned for any family member who attends and helps out!  Any volunteer hours not completed will be billed in May.  

3rd Quarter Awards lunch:  Next Tuesday, April 16th, parents are invited to come for lunch (12:00 noon) and join us for our 3rd quarter awards assembly.  The band/ensemble will be performing, and we will hear recitations from some of the winners of this Thursday's speech meet.
Lunch menu:  Oven roasted lemon chicken - chicken breast marinated in lemon juice, garlic and Greek seasoning
Spinach and feta cheese souffle
Jasmine rice
Chopped salad - lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives with choice of dressing
Dessert - strawberry trifle -

Today is the last day of third quarter, and report cards will soon be headed your way.  We encourage all parents to call soon to reserve a time for parent teacher conferences so you can learn how best to help your student finish the year strong.  

Spring Cleaning Day:  This Saturday, April 13 from 9-1 pm we will be having a school-wide clean up day.  This is a great time to "clean up" any volunteer hours you may have left for this school year.  Lunch is provided, so please call or email the school office to let us know how many are coming with you.   Hours can be earned for any family member who attends and helps out!  Any volunteer hours not completed will be billed in May.  

3rd Quarter Awards lunch:  Next Tuesday, April 16th, parents are invited to come and eat lunch (12:00 noon) and join us for our 3rd quarter awards assembly.  The band/ensemble will be performing, and we will hear recitations from some of the winners of this Thursday's speech meet.

​Thank you so much for those who have taken the time to re-enroll for next year.  It it truly helpful in at least getting a feel for how to plan for staffing needs next school year, which will be here before we know it!

I am thrilled to announce our very own ICA student
Bailey Wenzek
was awarded 8th place at the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee!

This year for last week's History Fair our students went above and beyond expectations!  It was fun to listen to many of them express passion about the person they studied.  The chance to perform brought out some latent acting talent that can now be nurtured.  The feeling of working hard and completing a difficult but worthy task is a joyful gift many students will carry forward with them.

In each age group, the following received the highest points for their combined score in presentation, costume/backdrop/props, knowledge of subject, and research paper.

Third-Fourth Grades
first - Lindi Moore as Nelly Bly
second - Amelia Rockholz as Albert Einstein
third - Daniel Hardesty as Nicola Tesla

Fifth-Sixth Grades
first - Sean Carr as Laura Ingalls Wilder
second - Serenity Hardesty as Irena Sendler
tied for third place
third - Amelie Tyler as Marie Antoinette
third - Promise Rose Juengel as Catherine the Great

JH
first - Marisa Ackerman as William Shakespeare
second - Maya Hughes as Harriet Tubman
third - Keyara Beck as Clara Barton

HS
first - Shannon Justus as Jane Austen
second - Alicia Ackerman as Odette Sansum
third - Grace Delaney as Queen Victoria

People's Choice award:  Grace Delaney for her role as Queen Victoria

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​Wow!  Your students have outdone themselves with this year's presentations.  We look forward to having friends and family here on campus this evening from 7-8 pm to hear and see the ICA Wax Museum 2019.   This is a different fair from either art or science fair and as such requires a little different protocol for this evening. 

1.  When you enter the building, please join us in creating the atmosphere of a museum.  As the speeches are the main way you will be able to experience the historic figures, please talk only in hushed voices in order to give the students the best opportunity to display their speeches for the listeners.  Shhhh....

2. Every age level has memorized a speech or facts (1st and 2nd grade) about the people they are portraying.  As a courtesy, please listen to their entire speech and then if you choose you may ask them questions.  Students will answer you while remaining "in character".  After answering your questions they will launch into their speech again.  

Here are some things that would be helpful to remember:

1.  Although all judging rubrics are basically the same, the students have been judged within their age group only and have developed their projects according to the criteria given by their classroom teacher according to their grade level expectations.  

2.  Students are judged equally in these four categories:  
25% props and costume appropriate to the time period of their historic figure
25% presentation meaning the way they represent the historic figure in their speech and physical gestures
25% knowledge of the person based on their interaction with the judges
25% research paper as graded by the classroom teacher

3.  Each student has spent time and effort digging deeply into a topic of their choice.  Many of them have discovered the joy of learning for the sake of learning.  One life lesson that we all need to learn, and that we are giving opportunity to learn at an early age here at ICA is that comparison with others has the potential to steal away your joy.  As you speak with your students about their experience today, it may be helpful to lead their thoughts in this direction:  Have joy in what you have learned, share it with others, and find joy in what they have learned.  A healthy mindset looks at other people and says, "Wow!  That gives me an idea for the next time I do a project." 

Each of our students has developed skills in some areas and not in others.  Help them to see where their skills are developing and where they are already strong and can capitalize even more.  

I know you'll be delighted with the evening!  Hope to see you soon and remember....shhhhh      Brenda

Thankfully the snow and sickness seem to be waning and I am expecting the fresh smell of sunshine to be in the air from here on out!  History Fair is all the talk this week.  Many projects are due before the end of this week so students have plenty of time to practice their presentations over the weekend.  You are invited to come and see the characters and observe some of the presentations next Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00 pm.  

Having conducted such an in-depth study of a person in history, I believe your student will carry the memory throughout their lives.    When our son, Caleb was in 7th grade, he studied the hobo culture for history fair here at ICA, and learned to play his new, never-used guitar and played and sang (albeit reluctantly) an old hobo song as a part of the performance .  Of course he had his tin can out on display along with his hobo soup, and several people dropped money in on their way by to encourage the act.  Now at age 21 he regularly leads singing for various gatherings of people with his guitar, and I tease him that he was a professional from his very first gig.  You never know the impact a history fair project may have on your child's future!

National History Day is an annual national competition where students all over the United States do exactly what our students are doing next Tuesday.  To get a bit more vision for the end product we are hoping for, you can watch the National History Day junior performance first place here.   

​Brenda

​Thanks for those who have already signed on to Gradelink to re-enroll for next year!  I'm hoping everyone who is planning to re-enroll we be able to do so by the end of the week.

Every now and then I come across something in current kid's culture that is worth passing on.  Maybe you've heard of the Momo Challenge, which has been reported as a possible threat to students who play on-line games, including games for young children.   It was talked about quite a lot last summer, but seems to have resurfaced in the last couple of weeks.  Attached is an informational sheet that helps understand what to watch for to help your children avoid the threat. 

Whether or not the Momo Challenge is real or simply perpetuated by social media, parents do play a big role in protecting their children from very real threats in cyberspace.  I encourage you to take advantage of parental controls on devices and monitor computer use, even keeping computers in common areas of your home.  May you have discernment and wisdom as you go about the challenging job of raising kids in a world of technological potholes!

Here is another interesting article on one of those many potholes.

Brenda

​Just one week to re-enrollment!  I'll send out an email toward the end of the week with more information regarding the coming school year.  I may sound like a broken record, but it really does help with planning for next year if you are able to let us know if your family plans to be back in the fall.  Thanks!

Favor to ask:  I promise this isn't a homework assignment, but it may feel like it.  It's different than homework because it's optional!  I am currently teaching a junior high Bible class, which is one of my favorite classes of all time to teach.  Students at this stage are processing some pretty deep things about life, our culture and faith, and they have lots of questions - which I love helping them find answers for. 

Because I know everyone one of them will be making a decision in the next few years as to whether or not they will choose to pursue a relationship with Jesus, I thought it might help them in their processing to hear from some of you as to how faith has been a part of your life.  If you are a person who has chosen to follow Jesus, would you mind taking a minute to write out answers to a few questions?  Alternatively, if it is easier, you might send me a brief video.   

Here are the two questions:  Why did you decide to become a Christ-follower?  What do you think is different in your life because of that decision?  

1 Peter 3:15 says "Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."  I'm asking     I think this could make a difference for our students!  

Thanks in advance for considering the offer!

Brenda

​As we say goodbye to the last lingering piles of snow, we also hopefully  welcome a nice calm routine for awhile!  In case you are wondering, we will not tag on days in June to make up for the snow days.  We have extra hours built in to our schedule, so we we are still above the state required minimum for private schools.  So go ahead and plan your school's-out get away!  The last day of school is still planned for June 13th barring any unforeseen events.

Walking through the hallways, it's easy to find a smiling face this week.  Every class is participating in new and unusual learning opportunities.  Some are learning how to cook eggs, candy, or bread.  Others are making music in choir, ukulele, guitar, recorder or chapel band.  The artists are experimenting with rock painting, collages, Electric signs, up-cycled boxes or Chinese calligraphy.  To get bodies in motion, we have volleyball, rock climbing, zumba, Taekwondo and yoga.  The historians get to follow the steps of the Oregon trail, learn mountain man skills or how to be a knight.  Then there are classes for paper weaving, kite-making, sewing, and bullet journaling...  Literally something for everyone.  It is an exhilarating week for the students, although somewhat exhausting for the staff.  

We are so grateful for everyone who has volunteered their time and resources to make this week happen.  All are invited to the Electives Week Showcase and 2nd quarter awards meal next Tuesday evening at 6 pm.  Chicken Caesar salad is on the menu.  We hope you can join us for this joyous event!

 The School Championship Spelling Bee (grades 2-8) took place today.  Even greater than the benefit of studying and learning new words for these students is the opportunity events like the spelling bee provide to practice focusing under a bit of pressure.  It's a skill that is useful to all of us at some point in life, and this seems to be a low-stakes chance to build that muscle.   Congratulations to our top spellers for today and for every student who took the time to put a bit of extra effort into spelling this month!

3rd place:  Charlotte Dunn
2nd place:  Max Ohme
1st place:  Bailey Wenzek

Bailey will represent our school at the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee March 23rd.  Go Bailey!

​Brenda

In Class Spelling Bee results:  Today grades 2-8 all participated in their in-class spelling bee.  Congratulations to these top spellers from each class:

8th grade:
1st:  Luke LaChausse
2nd:  Henry Ohme
3rd:  Ben Lindenstein
7th grade:
1st:  Bailey Wenzek
2nd:  Elizabeth Chambers
3rd:  Bjorn Juengel
6th grade:
1st: Eli Vanhouten
2nd: Tyson Prendergast
3rd: Ellyse Hudec
5th grade:
1st: Lydia Justus
2nd: Sean Carr
3rd: Jacob Hughes
4th grade:
1st: Lindi Moore
2nd: Charlotte Dunn
3rd: Ian Leon
3rd grade:
1st: Max Ohme
2nd: Owen Bartel
3rd: Amadeus Tskinovsky
2nd grade:
1st: Brian Heggenes
2nd: Emmy Carlson
3rd: Ethan Chambers

 
The top two spellers from each grade will advance to the School Championship Bee, which is next Tuesday, January 22nd at 2:00 pm in the gym, and to the Inter-School Bee which will be at Cornerstone Academy in Monroe on February 28th.   Next Tuesday, the 22nd is a dress protocol day for all students.  Sorry for not communicating that clearly for this week – our mistake. 
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Quest Club:  The Parents of ICA students (PICA) group will be helping me present an event this quarter that is sure to bring joy to the students who have worked toward it.  Quest club will be January 24th at 2 pm in the lunchroom.
In order to be invited to this event, students must have successfully completed three of the four quests for this quarter
1.  Listening Quest                                                                                                                          
2.  Gifts for Jesus Quest (5 out of the 10 mini-quests)
3.  Jumping Jack Challenge
4.  Puzzle Challenge
I have attached the last two quests in case you would like to help your student complete them this next week.  All quests must be turned in by 3:30 pm January 23rd.

Electives Week:  Today is “preview day” when our students in grades three and up get to choose four  choices out of 30 classes offered this year!  Students will bring home a form this evening for your approval as some of the classes have fees associated.  There is also a place on the form to sign up for hot lunches if you would like.  Hot lunch will be served every day during Electives Week.    Please return the form by Thursday. Students will participate in these classes January 29th-February 1.  

It seems many students, parents and teachers are glad to be back into the routine again after a nice break for the holidays.   January presents a few events to take note of:

1.  January 23rd and 30th are both Wednesdays that are full days instead of 2:00 release.  Buses will run at 3:30.
2.  Spelling Bee - The format is a bit different for spelling bee this year.  There is more information just below from the coordinator, Mrs. Ronna Bartel.
3.  Electives Week - coming up January 29th-February 1st.  We have some new class offerings as well as some returning favorites.  If you have a skill or hobby you would like to share with our students, please contact the school office.  Preview day is next Tuesday when students will have opportunity to choose which four of the 20+ classes in which they would like to participate.  They will bring the forms home Tuesday night for parent approval.  For a more detailed explanation of Electives Week, click here.

Spelling Bee report from Mrs. Ronna Bartel
Parents, 
You are invited to your child's Classroom Spelling Bee next Tuesday, the 15th. The times are as follows:  2nd grade - 9:30; 3rd/4th grade - 10:30; 5th grade - 12:45; 6th grade - 11:15; 7th grade 10:00; 8th grade 10:30.   The top two spellers from Grades 2-8 will advance to the All School Bee which is on January 22nd at 2:00 pm in the gym, and to the Inter-School Bee which will be off-Island on February 28th.  In addition, the top ICA speller will compete at the Regional Bee in March.  Please continue to have your spellers study their grade level list, and all the words from Grades 1-8 if they hope to compete well at the All School Bee.  If you are needing another copy of the lists, please contact Mrs. Bartel.  
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Tonight is the annual Classic Christmas Pageant!  Although we do the same basic program from year to year, I am always freshly inspired to see talent and personality emerge in new ways.  I think you will  be delighted by the evening, hopefully have your heart warmed, and be immersed in the purpose and significance of Christmas.  

Here are the details:
6:30 student arrival for most classes (if your student's teacher indicated a different time, go with that)
6:30  PICA cider and sweets in the gym for adults (students should go straight to their classroom).
6:55 band prelude
7:00 Program

Student attire:
Formal dresses/dress pants and tie
OR  dress protocol
Individual students may have additional needs that depend on their costume.

Program recording:   Someone will be recording the program for our public Facebook page using FB live.  We will also record the performance from a higher vantage point and offer it on DVD after the break.  Hopefully this will allow you and everyone around you enjoy the program more, and grandparents who aren't able to be here may have a chance to view it.

Hope to see you all this evening!

Brenda


 

The big news is the Christmas pageant for which we are rehearsing several days this week.  Today we bring out the bells!  Ever now and then I'll hear a student in the restroom or going down the hall humming or singing part of the Hallelujah Chorus.  What a great time of the year!  Next Tuesday at 7 pm, we will be meeting in the gym to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.  Each teacher will let you know the proper arrival time for your student (most should plan to arrive around 6:30).  This year PICA (Parents of ICA students) will be hosting a time to chat with cider and goodies at 6:30!

The next big event of the new year, second only to the school Spelling Bee (January 22nd),  is Electives Week (Jan 29 - Feb 1),  The purpose of Electives Week is to present our students with opportunities and experiences they may not get in the regular classroom setting.   Our hope is that some may show an affinity or aptitude toward one or more of the skills or ideas presented and be inspired to learn more independently. I am currently seeking  parents and community members who have a skill or particular knowledge in a hands-on subject area which they might be able to pass on to the next generation.  I've attached the information for prospective presenters.  Please feel free to pass the information on to someone who may fit the bill.  Please send any ideas my way!

Brenda

Every now and then you may hear something from your student(s) about houses, quests, or quest club.   I thought it might be helpful to use this forum to paint a picture of the idea behind and this year’s iteration of the ICA house system.  House operations tend to be part of the background of what we do at ICA, but I don’t want it to be vague, so read on if your interest is piqued. 
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The philosophy behind houses:
Houses are intended to encourage virtue and life skills that are important, but challenging to acquire in the average student’s day to day life as they are not always modeled in the broader culture.   At ICA we feel like who you are is just as important as what you know, and this is one way we can support families in the effort to nurture the character qualities and skills needed for life. 
It is not a teacher directed program, but is entirely left up to the initiative of the student and/or parents (especially at a younger age).  Houses meet together a few times a year for games or to interact as a house and encourage one another to support the team.
Quests:
Each quarter all students are invited (but not required) to join in four different quests.  A new quest is presented every two weeks in chapels and/or at our Monday morning and Friday afternoon all-school gatherings.  Each quarter a challenge is presented that emphasizes development in the social, physical, spiritual and mental realms.   Each challenge is assigned a point value, and each quarter a 5 point “boost” is given to one of the four quests for each house.  So, for instance, this quarter the first quest is a social quest worth up to 100 points with a yellow house boost.  Every student can earn up to 100 points, but the yellow house members who choose to do this quest get five extra points.  Every house has a boost every quarter. 
Other ways to earn house points:
Academics:  each quarter students earn house points by their placement on honor roll with varying points for the levels reached.
Extra-curricular activities:  Students can earn house points by submitting a form to a coach or instructor at an after-school activity they participate in.  The instructor/coach answers a few brief character questions, and students receive awards when it is turned in to the office. (50 points)
Above and Beyond:  Some teachers assign extra activities that go beyond the normal requirements of an assignment, giving students an incentive to excel if they choose.
Chapel Awards:  Each time we have chapel, the elementary teachers pass out awards to students whom they have noticed exhibiting desirable character qualities.  We try to be sure every student is noticed throughout the year.  This helps other students understand desirable qualities for an ICA student, hopefully encouraging them to emulate that behavior.  Each chapel award earns 10 house points.
Friday house colors:  Students who wear a shirt that represents the color of their house earns 10 house points.  It doesn’t have to be an official house shirt, just the house color.
House awards:  Points add up for the individual, and cumulatively for his or her house.  Two individual house awards are given quarterly.  The first is the “Head of House” award given to the student in that house earning the most individual points.  The “Go-Give” award is given to a student from any house who exhibits the virtue attached to a specific house.  These are usually selected by staff, but occasionally given by an entire house to someone outside their house. 
Readers of the Round Table:  The last two years the Readers of the Round Table was a very visible piece of our house points system.  This year it is more in the background, but still a valid way to earn credit.  We have a list of classic books organized by reading level we think all students should read during their school career.  In order to encourage students to engage with these books, we have offered house points for reading them.  We haven’t featured this program with the students yet this school year, but it is available for those who would like to participate. 
Quest Club:  This year, as further incentive to participate in houses, we initiated the Quest Club.  This is a quarterly “club” attended by every student who successfully completes at least three of the four quarterly quests during that quarter. 
The first quarter club was attended by about 15 students during the last hour of the last day of the first quarter.  At the club we presented a couple of different scenarios students may face from time to time.  As a group we talked through and practiced the protocol related to those events.  One was receiving and opening gifts.  The principle was that gifts are not about things but about relationships.  The saying we learned was “people are more important than things”.  Each student was able to practice by opening a gift they may or may not like, and then found something to say that would be appropriate even if it wasn’t a gift they really would use (which some weren’t).   It was a fun way to reinforce manners that are already being taught at home. 
House of Distinction:  Each year the house that collects the most points receives the title of “House of Distinction” for the following year.  As a reward, they participate in their own house field trip in early June. 
That was long!  I want you to have the knowledge and terminology to help your student fully benefit from the house system if you choose to do so.
Thanks for sticking with me!
 
Brenda
 

This is the last time I'll mention auction for a few months.  Since last week was a bit premature to give numbers, I thought you all might like o know  it looks like our total for this year's auction even with expenses accounted for has now surpassed $64,000.  I had to double check the report before typing that just to convince myself I had it right.  All I can say is, "wow", and "God is faithful!"  Thank you for taking part in that miracle.

I'll attach the list below of items that are available for bidding until the end of this week.  We added a few new items this week. If you would like to place a bid, please send it to [email protected].  We'll let you know if you are in the running.  You can also check to see if you've been outbid!​

​Brenda

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As of tomorrow, we have completed 25% of our school days for this year!  End of first quarter.  Next Tuesday we invite parents who are able  to join us at 12:00 pm for hot lunch and quarterly awards celebration.

Parent/Teacher conferences:  Teachers and staff now have a feel for the individual students in their classrooms, and would like to sit down and chat with you about ways we can work together to see your student get the greatest possible benefit from their time at ICA this year.  Please call the office to schedule your conference.  We would like to connect with at least one parent for every student.  (The preschool conferences are optional.)  The days set aside for conferences are next Friday, the 16th, Monday and Tuesday, the 19th and 20th from 1:00-4:30.  Thank you for making this a priority.

Auction volunteers requested:  As we come into the final stretch toward this year's auction, there are a number of jobs that, when divided among many, will be light work.  Many of these can be completed at home.  All count toward your volunteer hours for the school year.  Please email or call Angela if you would like to claim one!

Projects you could do at home or school:
Buy It Now display certificates (Publisher knowledge helpful)
Paint small table and chairs in preparation for a class project
Create displays for experiences being auctioned.
Cut out gift tags and attach to student projects
Tie ribbon on student ornaments
Create Reserved Table signs

Projects you could stop by and complete at school (at your convenience):
Laminate bidder number cards
Iron tablecloths

Also:
Next week either Thursday or Friday we will need a few people who are comfortable on ladders to help put up some stage decorations.  Please email or call Mrs. Chittim if you think you could help.  

Thank you for bringing in your items and ticket stubs this week.  If you have not yet accomplished this, please do so ASAP.

A few more item sneak peeks:  

Deako Smart Lighting Starter Kit:  Kit includes 5 smart switches, 1 Deako connect (Bluetooth to wifi Bridge).  Uses voice controlled integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.  App control with Keoko app for android or IOS.  Control any switch from anywhere in your home with the Bluetooth mesh network.  Retails for $399.99

Two Day Fishing Trip on the North Olympic Peninsula.  Your choice of Coho/Chinook salmon or wild steelhead (catch and release).  Stop by the reception area for more details. 

Lots, lots more!

​Brenda

Auction is creeping up on us ever so stealthily, and anticipation is beginning to build!  Working together we’ll get the job done! (Name that tune.)

Financial award:  In case you didn’t know yet, Ben Criswell and Eagle Construction have agreed to pay $250 toward tuition for the family with the highest procurement total!  We will name the winner November 13th in Message Tuesday. 

Important Dates:
November 5th (This coming Monday):  :  Please have all procurement forms, items, and ticket stubs submitted to the office.  Exception:  If the items are unusually large, they could be delivered the week of auction. 

November 5th Last day to be included in the catalog or live auction.  We put all the donors’ names in the catalog, so if your form isn’t submitted, your donor will be left out.

November 14th:  Last day to be included in the auction.  Any submissions after this date will welcomed, but sold in another venue. 

Have you found your place to serve?  There are several areas still in need of help:

Kitchen crew needs helpers in the days leading up to and day of auction.  Email me (Brenda) for times.

Clean up crew is still a bit anemic. 
Ironing seems to be a fading art form, but I am willing to train you!  This is the only job that can be done anytime YOU want to do it!  We have a room dedicated to the ironing party.
Item preview:  Sometimes it helps to know some of the larger items that will be sold in advance so you could possibly be better prepared to bid. 

One of those items this year that has come in recently is a DeWalt double bevel sliding compound miter saw valued at $700.  You can see it in the copy room behind the reception area if you would like to take a peek.  Please thank our amazing neighbors at Sebo’s for their generous donation!

Mariner’s “view level” tickets (4)  to a home game!

​Thanks for any part you have in making this a fantastic event that makes the mission of ICA possible!


Brenda

We are in a season of the year that it seems all Christian families navigate a bit differently, specifically regarding how they celebrate, or don’t celebrate Halloween.  Opinions and practices vary widely among the families in our school.   Overall our desire is to create an environment where we honor the true, good and beautiful, which also guides how we cross the sometimes-murky waters of Halloween season.

 As an organization, we try to place emphasis on celebrating the harvest season, as American Christians have done for many generations.  The key hymn we are singing this month is Great is Thy Faithfulness, which reminds of God’s unchanging nature and the way He provides for us in every season.  We also have a candy-raiser to support the Harvest Carnival put on each year by Island Church, where many of our students participate in the celebration in a God-honoring way.  This Friday the Parents of ICA organization is also sponsoring a Pumpkin Carving/decorating party as a way to connect families of ICA students. 

Some of the younger classes also celebrate the harvest by having class parties.  In the coming week.  Some classes will encourage students to dress up for the party (not the whole school day as it can be quite a distraction) in friendly costumes.  We ask students to not come dressed in anything that would represent the dark or scary, but take the opportunity to display the true, good and beautiful in creative ways.

On another note, I recently ran across a short video by one of my favorite authors on raising children, Dr. James Dobson called Kids Watching Violence.  It’s less than two minutes, but serves as a great reminder to guard the hearts of our children.
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Thanks for taking the time to read today!  See below for announcements.

Your students had an opportunity to shine today at Grandparents Day, and they did so with confidence and sparkle.  As always, the grandparents and special friends seemed to delight in the day as the students proudly showed them around the school and then presented an inspiring program.  Thank you for helping prepare the students for today, and for allowing us to share with you in their training!  Here are just a few snapshots from the day:

 
House report: House Auxilium is currently leading the way for the year!

I would like to announce that the following students were elected by their houses last week as student leaders for this year:

Virtus/House of Strength (purple): Henry Ohme & Duncan Permenter
Auxilium/House of Help (red): Elizabeth Chambers & Zetta Prendergast  
Adoratium/House of Encouragement (yellow): Danika Hudec & Shannon Justus
Gratius/House of Friendship (blue): Alysha Ackerman & Sierra Wilmoth

We are thankful for each one of our students who boldly put their ideas forward and gave speeches in their house meetings.  We have many students with emerging leadership qualities in our secondary classes, and are very thankful for each one's willingness to serve.  Mrs. Wilmoth will be meeting with the group twice a month this year developing their skills, learning to work collaboratively and provide some added interest for all students throughout the school year.

We are looking forward to the well-loved event Grandparent's Day next Tuesday at 10:00 am.  Any friend of the student is welcome to come share the day if a grandparent is not available.  We even have a few grandparents who would be glad to be adopted for the day if they are needed!

See below for upcoming events and details.  

Reminder:  This Friday there is no school for students, but as a staff we will be traveling to Providence Classical Christian School in Bothell for a regional training event for classical school staff.  We'll learn from sessions with titles like Understanding and Communicating with Millennial Parents (I plan to glean some helpful information here), Cultivating a Love of Learning (my personal favorite), Growth and Grit: Developing a Proper Mindset in Our Classrooms in in our Students (If you've ever read Carol Dweck's book called Mindset, this is the classroom application of that insightful teaching).  We'll also have opportunity to share lunch with our counterparts in other classical schools.  While we are being students, hopefully you will be able to enjoy some extra time with yours this Friday.  

Brenda

See below for some important details about the coming week!