IHS Family Newsletter
September 13, 2023 - From Principal Zipp-McLaughlin
NEWSLETTER SECTIONS
- Principal's Message
- PTSA
- Open House September 21
- School Counselor Updates
- Freshmen Picnic
- Homecoming
- Advanced Placement Class Payment Information
- Dual Credit Course Information
- Yearbook Ordering
- Opt Out for recruiters and institutions of higher education
- Attendance Matters!
- Cell Phones
- IHS Parent Portal Directions for Infinite Campus
- Safe School Helpline
- Code of Conduct
- Athletics
- Events
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
We had a fantastic opening and have enjoyed getting to know your student(s). Thank you for supporting our drop off and pick up process. Your partnership is truly valued! We are looking forward to celebrating school spirit next week and meeting you at our Open House.
PTSA
Are you interested in supporting IHS through IHS PTSA? Our first meeting is Thursday, September 14th at 4:45pm in the Principal's Conference Room. This meeting will be a brainstorming session to create ideas for fundraising and events for class celebrations and staff appreciation. We hope ot see you there!
During Open House, PTSA arranged for Travelin' Tom's coffee truck, Kona Ice and Al Dente Pasta Truck. The trucks will be in the front loop between IHS and Dake. Please consider supporting this PTSA fundraiser!
OPEN HOUSE
The IHS Open House is scheduled on Sept. 21, 5-7pm
- School Counselors will present College Application Information from 5-6 PM in the auditorium, to parents of seniors ( see below for more information)
- Teachers will be grouped by departments and available to answer questions related to curriculum
- We will sell IHS clothing in the Commons
You are free to travel between department locations at your discretion, as there is no set schedule that you must follow. You will need to pull up your child's schedule on IC to help you find the teacher for each subject. We will have signs to help with way-finding as well as listing the department locations for you:
- ELA - Small Cafeteria
- ENL- Small Cafeteria
- Life Skills- Room 2046
- Social Studies- Library
- Science- Large Cafeteria
- Math- Large Cafeteria
- World Languages- 1st floor World Language hall
- Technology- 1st floor- hall behind the large cafeteria
- Health/PE- Gym
- Art- 1st floor in the Art hallway
- Music- 1st floor in the Music hallway
- Special Educators- case managers will email you to share their location which will either be with a particular department or in the Commons area.
- Business- 1st floor in the Business hallway
- Counselors will be available in the Counseling Center shortly after 6pm
We would love to see you on Sept. 21 but also realize that life can be busy. If you are unable to attend and have questions, please email the teacher, provider or counselor directly and someone will reply soon.
SENIOR PARENTS COLLEGE APPLICATION NIGHT DURING OPEN HOUSE
This presentation occurs from 5-6pm, on Open House Night and is intended for parents of senior students to provide information on our IHS college application process. Counselors will be available to present information and answer any questions regarding post high school planning.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR NEWSLETTER UPDATES
Please use the link to learn about updates form our Counseling Center.
FRESHMEN PICNIC
All Freshmen are encouraged to gather as a class on Saturday, September 23rd from 1-3pm, by the windmill. Students will be offered free hotdogs, games and fun just before our Homecoming football game which starts at 3pm. Link Crew Leaders will be there to lead the fun!
HOMECOMING
Help us celebrate IHS tradition and a positive school culture by participating in our Homecoming Spirit Week. If you have questions, please see Ms. Bosco, Ms. Pergolizzi or an Assistant Principal. Go Eagles!
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PAYMENT INFORMATION
Please read the attachment for information related to registering and paying for AP exams. If you have questions, please reach out to the teacher or Mrs. Battin.
DUAL CREDIT IMPORTANT DATES
If your child is enrolled in a Dual Credit class you will want to save these dates as reminders. Teachers will help students complete the registration process and send a reminder email as the payment deadline approaches.
YEARBOOK ORDERING
Yearbooks are on sale for $55 through September 30th and then the price goes up to $60. For a limited time, Jostens is offering a personalization deal. You can find the details online when you order your yearbook.
OPT OUT PROCESS
If you wish to opt out of our disclosure of your student(s) name(s), address and telephone listing to military and or college recruiters, please submit a written request to Jessica Cook, College and Career Center Clerk.
Board of Education Policy 7244: MILITARY RECRUITERS AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Requests for Information
The District will comply with requests from military recruiters and institutions of higher education (IHEs) for access to the name, address and telephone listing of each secondary school student, except for any student whose parent (or the student, if he or she is at least 18 years of age) has submitted a written request to opt out of this disclosure, in which case the information will not be released without the parent's or student's prior written consent.
Annual Notification and Opt Out Opportunity
The District will annually notify parents of secondary students (and/or the student if 18 or above) of the opportunity to submit a written request to opt out of disclosure of the student's name, address, and telephone listing to military and/or college recruiters. If a written opt out request is submitted, the District will not disclose the student's information to military or college recruiters without the prior written consent of the parent or student.
Military Recruiter Access
The District will provide military recruiters the same access to secondary school students as is provided generally to institutions of higher learning or prospective employers of those students.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Daily attendance and attendance to every class is important for students to remain connected and to learn. High school students are gaining more independence but they still need guidance from their guardians. Please talk about the importance of showing up to school and attending classes every day and the connection that timely attendance has when they have a job or career. We understand that students may be sick and will need to stay home to rest. With any absence, please be sure to contact our Attendance Office to indicate the reason for the absence. This helps us partner with you to support your child when they return. Below is a link that shares what you can do to help your child prioritize attendance to school.
CELL PHONE EXPECTATIONS
Cell phone use and habits can adversely affect student focus, engagement, and mental health. Our goals are to improve academic engagement and minimize distraction while supporting healthier habits that impact social-emotional health. This September, we will implement cell phone use zones at IHS. The grade-level administrator will work with you and your student if you have a unique situation where a phone may be required (i.e., medical monitoring).
Our Student Handbook prohibits device usage for disruptive behavior, illegal acts, cheating, or any form of harassment or bullying. Beginning in September, students will be expected to put their phones away during instructional time. Consequences will be implemented for repeated insubordinate actions. High school students will be able to freely use their phones in the halls, the commons, cafeterias, library, and study halls. If a parent/guardian needs to reach a student during a class period, please contact the school and we will ensure that you are able to speak to your child.
We are interested in hearing your thoughts and or suggestions. Please consider completing this short survey after reading the language from our IHS Student Handbook, Code of Conduct and the attached resources:
IHS Student Handbook language Cell Phone/ Communication Devices:
Personal communication devices and music players, such as cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, or any devices that can be used to play music and/or communicate with another individual through texting, messaging, or speaking will be permitted at IHS according to the following guidelines:
During any instructional period, personal communication devices should not be seen, heard, or used.
- Students may use such devices during their lunch period.
- Students may use such devices when passing between classes.
- Students may use these devices in other settings as permitted and directed by school personnel.
Unauthorized use of electronic devices during the instructional day disrupts the instructional program, distracts from the learning environment, and may result in consequences. The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage, or misuse of any electronic devices brought to school by a student. Therefore, it is important that all electronic devices be always kept secure.
The Code of Conduct Language can be found on the top of page 14 and accessed through THIS LINK.
STAY INFORMED AND CONNECTED
Remain informed and access information through the use of our Parent Tab on our IHS Homepage (click on this link to access). You will find information regarding newsletters, calendars, time schedule, health information, IHS Clubs, Yearbook information and more.
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL
You can view your student's attendance, in progress grades, assignments and more using the Parent Portal through Infinite Campus. Click here.
SAFE SCHOOL HELPLINE
If you see something, say something!
Please encourage students to report any concerns to an adult at school in addition to sharing with you. If your child wishes to remain anonymous but would like to report a concern, encourage them to complete the Safe School Helpline form using the link below or through the app. Reporting with as many factual details as possible will help our administrators follow up with individuals in a timely manner. Thank you for continuing to support a positive school climate.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 13- 14- School Pictures
September 18-23 Homecoming Week
September 21- IHS Open House 5-7pm (5-6pm College Application Night Information for Parents)
September 23- Freshmen Picnic 1-3pm
- Football game at 3pm
November 8 Post High School Planning 5:30-8:30pm
November 20- Youth Risk Behavior Survey in all Social Studies Classes- more info to follow
THANK YOU
Be well,
Alecia
SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 260 Cooper Road
Website: https://ihs.westirondequoit.org/
Principal: Alecia Zipp-McLaughlin | alecia_mclaughlin@westiron.monroe.edu
Assistant Principal: Mark Foster | mark_foster@westiron.monroe.edu
585- 336- 2913
Assistant Principal: Barbara Battin | barbara_battin@westiron.monroe.edu
585- 336-0759
Assistant Principal: Casey Nelan | casey_nelan@westiron.monroe.edu
585- 336- 2917
Main office: 585- 266-7351
Secretary: Kim Schrank | kim_schrank@westiron.monroe.edu
Health Office: 585-336-2938
- Nurse: Elizabeth Thurston
Counseling Center: 336-2921
Attendance Office: 336-2919
Technology Support: https://wicsd.tech/
Transportation: 585-336-2992
District Office: 585-342-5500 | District website: westirondequoit.org
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE IHS EVENTS CALENDAR