IHS IB Notes
February 2022 (part 2)
IB Teacher Award Winner!
I've been waiting for a while to share this news: Mr. Robert Patrick is the winner of the teacher training award from the California Association of IB World Schools (CAWS)! This impressive award covers all expenses up to $2500 to attend a workshop this summer at beautiful Granlibakken in Tahoe City. Mr. Patrick teaches IB DP Biology and (most years) Scholars Advanced Human Bio. We're proud to have him as a member of our science department. IB Coordinators are the only ones who can nominate people for CAWS awards, but this year, senior Ayla came to me with nearly two pages worth of reasons she wanted Mr. Patrick to be recognized! I gladly completed the application using some of her quotes as part of the letter.
Service Opportunities for Students and Adults
Volunteers urgently needed for THIS WEEKEND (Feb. 26) at the Spring Kick Off Cup soccer tournament. The event is put on by Natomas FĂștbol Academy and will have 93 teams, including 21 from NFA. They especially need people from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and you can work 2-4 hour shifts with certificates provided to verify your hours. Check in at the registration table, and they will train you there. Cherry Island Sports Park, 2429 U Street, Rio Linda. If you need more info, volunteers@natomasfa.com
If you're into soccer a fabulous way to do service is through NFA's TOPSoccer where volunteers from 12-17 yrs of age are paired with the athletes who have special needs and help them navigate the soccer field. They practice every Friday 4:30-5:30 at Burberry field, and I know this has been a rewarding experience for a number of Scholars/IB students. Again, volunteers@natomasfa.com for more info.
Parent/guardian volunteers are needed to help plan the IB Gala which will be at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel on May 14. Please contact Sonia Mercado if interested. Also, if any of you have a DJ business and might be able to donate services or provide a reduced rate, please let her know.
The California Academic Decathlon also needs some adult volunteers to be speech and interview judges on Saturday, March 12, from 8-4. You can sign up for a half-day or the full day, and you would be working from home as it's a virtual event. Orientation/training happens that morning before you begin judging.
Senior Li is doing a great CAS project to support kids at Shriners Children's Hospital. This is a chance for you to do some community service if you know how to crochet or knit. Please see the flyer for all the details! (Participation in Stitchery Club is not required, but if you would like to check it out, join our Remind @IHSstitch)
Trip Update
Thanks to those who answered the survey about a SoCal college trip. We found enough interest to proceed with planning, though it may be a smaller group than in the past. Full details will be sent once we have all the approvals and contracts. The Gala helps to subsidize the trip, raise scholarship funds, support get-togethers and more for the students, families and teachers.
Reminder: Ideas Needed
I haven't received any t-shirt designs yet. The deadline is extended to Friday, March 4. Please share your creativity! Again, even if you don't have great artistic skills, we can ask the designer at the print shop to refine your ideas.
Special Opportunities
Seniors: The Natomas Schools Foundation now is accepting scholarship applications for awards of $1000 or $1500. Applications are due by April 8. Don't wait too long.
Close the Gap Foundation is hosting an information session about their Social Impact Fellowship on March 12 from 11 a.m.-noon. This is an opportunity for current 10th and 11th graders.
Sacramento Speaker Series
The Sacramento Speaker Series continues. I currently have access to the recording from Dr. Lisa Genova. If you'd like to watch with me, email so we can set up a time that works. Next up will be H.R. McMaster. We still have time to submit your questions for him, but email me soon.