I.H.S. Principal's Newsletter
March 2018
The "Long Haul"...
I hope that your month of March is going well! This stretch of the school year between President's Day and Spring break can seem like a long haul, but we are almost 3/4 of the way home! We have just completed an outstanding winter sports season, and we are looking forward to all of our spring sports and end of the year activities. Hang on, as the days will start flying by as we head towards June!
School Safety
We held grade level assemblies during the week of February 26th to discuss school safety and to give students a chance to ask questions and share ideas. A number of students said that they would like us to increase our frequency of ALICE safety drills. We will be doing that as the spring goes along. We explained to the students that what they learn in these drills can help them in any public setting, not just school.
We also discussed the Safe Schools Helpline. Anyone can anonymously call or text the Safe Schools Helpline to report any concern that they have. The caller's confidentiality is ALWAYS maintained. When someone calls to make a report, the school is notified, and has an opportunity to address the concern. We all need to look out for each other, and the Helpline is a useful way to do that.
Additionally, we are asking visitors to identify themselves at our front door before they are admitted into the building. We appreciate everyone's patience with this. Also, the Independence Police Department has increased patrols in our building and on the campus. We are very grateful for their help and support. Chief Mike Kilbane and Sgt. Brad Borowy addressed our March staff meeting and took the time to answer questions.
Again, safety is our first priority. Please feel free to call us at anytime if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas regarding student safety. We are all in this together.
The Safe Schools Helpline: 800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359
Text: 66746, TIPS
Spring AIR Test Schedule
Tuesday, April 17 (no classes for non-test takers)
AM Session: English/Language Arts 1, part 1 (grade 9 students)
PM Session: English/Language Arts 2, part 1 (grade 10 students)
Thursday, April 19 (no classes for non-test takers)
AM Session: English/Language Arts 2, part 2 (grade 10 students)
PM Session: English/Language Arts 1, part 2 (grade 9 students)
On these two days, AM sessions will run from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. PM Sessions will run from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, April 27 (Late start at 9:45 for non-test takers)
AM Session: Biology and Government
Tuesday, May 1 (Late start at 9:45 for non-test takers)
AM Session: Algebra and Geometry
Thursday, May 3: (Late start at 9:45 for non-test takers)
AM Session: U.S. History
On these late start days, students taking AIR tests should arrive at IHS no later than 7:45 a.m.
All students taking AIR tests should bring their Chromebook fully charged up to school on test days. If you have any questions regarding AIR tests, please contact Mr. McGuinness.
Best of luck to all of our students on the AIR tests!
Congratulations Mr. Maretka!
I.H.S. PTO "Above and Beyond" Award
"Anything Goes" set to sail at I.H.S.!
Over 70 of our I.H.S. students are involved in this mammoth production as either performers, stage crew, or in the pit orchestra. This number does not even take in all of our talented Art students who have built sets with Mr. Morefield.
All of these students have been putting in hundreds of hours on this production since January. Every year, the spring musical is one of the highlights of our calendar. Please come out and support our talented students! See you there!
Senior Scholarships Available
A huge thank you to all of the local organizations and individuals who provide scholarship opportunities to our students. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Long Range Dates...
Thursday, May 3: Academic Letter Ceremony/Reception, IHS Auditorium, 1 p.m.
Friday, May 4: I-Pride Talent Show, IHS Auditorium, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, May 11: Prom at Windows on the River, 6 to 11:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 31: Commencement Practice for Seniors, IHS Auditorium, 1 p.m.
Friday, June 1: Senior Awards Ceremony, IHS Auditorium, 9 a.m.
Sunday, June 3: Commencement, IHS Auditorium, 1 p.m.
Spring Break!
Closing Thoughts...
Again, we hope that you all have a wonderful spring break. When we come back, there will only be 42 school days left. Let's enjoy each of those days as the gifts that they truly are.
Thanks again for giving us the opportunity to work with your kids every day!
Sincerely,
William McGuinness
Principal