The Buzz
Volume 3, Edition 4, September 17, 2021
Irmo High School International School for the Arts
We bring our A Game to all we do in Academics, the Arts, Athletics, Attendance and Attitude by promoting the 3 R's - being Respectful, Responsible and Reputable.
Website: https://www.lexrich5.org/IHS
Location: 6671 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: (803) 476-3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irmohighschool
Twitter: @IrmoHigh
A Message from our #ProudPrincipal, Dr. Robin Hardy
I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who made our virtual open house a success. We appreciate and need ongoing parent engagement!
We also ask that you keep two-way communication lines open, especially as we continue to monitor COVID-19 mitigation practices. Nurse Powell is a tremendous asset to our school, and she needs your help keeping our students safe and healthy. Contact her directly regarding any student health updates.
With Irmo Pride,
Dr. Robin L. Hardy
New This Week:
September is Attendance Awareness Month!
Mr. Walker’s *This Is Escolares* AP Human Geography class knows attending school is important to build successful lives!
Our school's magnet program called *This Is Escolares* is designed for gifted students in 9th grade (adding 10th grade next year) and provides a rigorous course of study. Through this program, we ensure that students have the prerequisite courses to successfully participate in the IB Diploma or Career program in the 11th and 12th grades.
Saturday!! School District Five Marching Band Exhibition, September 18, 7pm
We will see you there, Yellow Jackets!
SAT / ACT strategy workshops, free to IHS students, registration required!
Tim Anderson of Attest, LLC, will be conducting free SAT/ACT workshops on Monday, September 20th (A Day). Students will practice test-taking strategies, learn how to comprehend questions, and learn tips for success. Space is limited to 40 students per session.
The morning session will be held during Blocks 1A and 2A (8:20 a.m. - 11:26 a.m.) and the afternoon session will be held during Blocks 3A and 4A (12:01 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.). PM session students will go to lunch from 11:26 - 11:55am. The morning session will cover reading and grammar and the afternoon session will cover both math and science.
These workshops are open to all students in grades 9 - 12 attending IHS. Workshops will be held in the back room of the media center. CATE Center students may sign up for workshops that occur during any of your classes located at IHS.
Click here to register your student: https://forms.gle/ACa8kihKn4iWCcyv5
Coming soon via Google Classroom: PSAT Workshop - Oct. 7th - 9 - 11 grade. Registration is September 20 through October 1, 2021.
SC Garden & Education Assistance Program
Our students learn in many active, hands-on ways! Pictured below are students learning about plants from seed to harvest (and weather and foods and nutrition...). Students in Mrs. Hampton's class harvested the sweet potatoes planted last school year, and planted beans and broccoli as fall crops.
Our school is part of the SC Garden & Education Assistance Program, awarded in January 2021 by the Office of Health and Nutrition, South Carolina Department of Education!
Photos of our latest garden projects are below.
Building the Raised Beds
First Crop is Planted
Almost ready...
Demonstrate...
Teach Others!
Students plant the fall crop!
County Tours Meeting Kinship Caregivers
Register to take the Accuplacer test
Students must register, using their student email address, here: https://bit.ly/3E6c0bn.
For more information please contact Mrs. Etheredge, Career Specialist, at Jetheredge@lexrich5.org.
Do you have access to PowerSchool to see your student's grades and attendance?
For instructions how to access the Parent Portal: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JJo2GggI-qK6yP-HJurP1-HBiT62_V8oUCeXvBpX6Nk/edit?usp=sharing.
If you know your login and password, you can access the portal here: https://lexrich5.powerschool.com/public/.
Financial Aid 101 Seminar
Families, attend the Financial Aid 101 seminar (see the flyer below) and learn:
The Importance of Completing the FAFSA, Regardless of How Much Money You Make
The Changes in Financial Aid and the FAFSA
How the Rules have Changed In Favor of Small Business Owners
Critical Information You Haven’t Heard About Financial Aid and How the Process Really Works
How Your Family’s EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is Calculated and if it can be Lowered
How to Properly Complete the New FAFSA and Avoid Common Mistakes that Cost You Money
How to Effectively Appeal College Award Letters—You May Not Have to Accept the Initial Offer
How to Handle Unique Situations (Divorce, Guardianship, etc.)
The “Nuts and Bolts” of Need and Merit-Based Financial Aid
Powerful Cash Flow Secrets that Can Make Paying for College Painless
And Much More…...
Register here: https://cfcsc.com/. The seminar is free, but you are asked to register since each session will only allow 100 attendees. Various dates are available. They are listed in the flyer below.
Hello Class of 2022 Families!
The Irmo High School Counseling Department is preparing to conduct Senior Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Conferences during the months of September and October. In response to COVID-19, we are limiting the number of visitors in schools and front office areas. Because of this, parents/guardians are asked to attend virtually. During this conference we will review credits, transcripts, and discuss post-secondary options.
Appointment times will be shared directly with parents/guardians via US mail and email.
Magnet Program: This Is Escolares
Gifted 9th & 10th Grade Magnet
This Is Escolares academic magnet provides a framework of challenging coursework to 9th and 10th graders to prepare them for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Career programs their junior and senior years.
This Is Escolares provides a rigorous course of study through Honors Escolares courses in English, Math, & Science with Advanced Placement in Social Studies. We ensure that students have the prerequisite courses to successfully participate in the IB Diploma or Career program.
Athletics:
- Congratulations to Varsity Girls Tennis on the Win!
- Congratulations to Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls Swimming on the Win!
- Softball News: there will be a player-only informational meeting on Wednesday, October 6 at 4:00 pm at the Irmo High School softball field. The meeting will last from 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm. If you cannot make this meeting or have questions, contact Coach Jason Huffman at jhuffman@lexrich5.org.
- Families are encouraged to join the Irmo Yellow Jacket Club to support our athletic programs. Some of the Yellow Jacket Club's packages include free parking and tickets to sporting events! Info: https://www.lexrich5.org/Page/22923.
- Attending a sporting event? Know the safety protocols before attending: https://bit.ly/38NF6hD.
Previously Published Information:
Important Information from our Attendance Office
Parents/guardians are asked to email Ms. Menger at emenger@lexrich5.org.
The attendance office opens at 7AM and closes promptly at 3:15 every day. For more information about our attendance procedures, please visit our website here.
ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer Tutorials
Apex offers tutorials to support students as they prepare to take the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer assessments. Students have the option to complete all tutorials or focus on selected parts.
Students can self-enroll in these courses using the codes and directions outlined on the flyer below!
Chromebook Support - The Tech Nest is here to help!
Students, need a Chromebook repaired? Come to the Tech Nest in the Media Center between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm each day.
The PSAT is on October 13 and Practice Tests are available
PSAT Practice Information:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice
https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
https://virtualsc.org/testprepservices/
As a reminder, the PSAT/NMSQT is provided free of charge to all 10th graders during school on October 13.
All other grades are invited to register to take the PSAT/NMSQT on October 13: https://www.lexrich5.org/cms/lib/SC01916806/Centricity/ModuleInstance/32356/PSAT%209%2011%2012.pdf
Online Lunch Application is Needed to Receive Other Benefits
Breakfast and lunch for students will be provided at no cost during the 2021–2022 school year.
Eligible families are encouraged, however, to complete the online meal applications for the 2021–2022 school year, which determines eligibility for other benefits, including P-EBT funding, scholarships, reduction in school fees, camp fees waived or reduced, ACT/SAT fees waived or reduced, etc. Families may complete the online meal applications at www.lunchapplication.com.
School Pictures - Seniors and Underclassmen
Senior Information
Senior Yearbook Portraits will be taken on Monday, September 27 and Tuesday, September 28. Students in the Class of 2022, visit https://seniors.legacystudios.com/irmo-high-school-columbia-sc/ to select your day and time. Your sitting fee must be paid at the time of booking.
Families, senior yearbook ads can be purchased by visiting www.yearbookforever.com and searching for Irmo High School. The deadline to purchase a senior ad is February 28, 2022.
Underclassmen Information
Underclassmen yearbook photos will be taken on Monday, October 11.
Yearbook Purchase
Yearbooks may be purchased by visiting www.yearbookforever.com and searching for Irmo High School.
Questions?
Please email Erin Parker, Yearbook Sponsor, at eparker@lexrich5.org.
The PSAT/NMSQT is October 13!
Sophomore Information
The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered to all 10th grade students at IHS during the school day on October 13, 2021 beginning at 8:30am at no charge. Scores can be used for National Merit Qualification.
Transportation will be provided for IHS FIVE 10th graders only. To register for transportation, you must complete the form below no later than Sept. 29: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VLQNDXG9sirA3fkyRMC_E1rE2zWXn3Z0jl2vBVwsb0s/edit?ts=6123c99f
Optional Testers, 9th, 11th, and 12th Grades
PSAT/NMSQT is optional for 9th, 11th, and 12th graders. It costs $18. Register below by September 10: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUsoLoNEP_NE0UN3LYIht-0BGjG_BIQkM66Pu4aYSdjiLC4Q/viewform. Transportation is not provided for 9th, 11th, or 12th graders in FIVE.
10th Grade PSAT Information
9th, 11th & 12th Grade PSAT Information
ACT / SAT Testing Schedule 2021-2022
Wednesday mornings - Late Start
On Wednesdays, classes start one hour later to allow for teachers to participate in professional development. The first bell rings at 9:10 am and classes begin at 9:20 am. The morning CATE Bus leaves the IHS bus loop at 9:05am on Late Start Wednesdays.
Bell Schedules are on our website: https://www.lexrich5.org/IHS , Our School tab, Bell Schedules page.
Mark your calendars for the NO Late Start Days for this school year:
October 13, 2021
March 2, 2022
March 23, 2022
May 4, 2022
May 11, 2022
May 18, 2022
May 25, 2022
June 1, 2022
Keep your student informed!
Class of 2022 Graduation Date
Lexington-Richland School District Five will hold its 2022 high school graduation ceremonies Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3 at the Colonial Life Arena.
- Dutch Fork High School: June 2 at 4:00 p.m.
- Irmo High School: June 3 at 8:00 a.m.
- Spring Hill High School: June 3 at 12:00 p.m.
- Chapin High School: June 3 at 4:00 p.m.
While Colonial Life Arena has confirmed dates for the district’s 2022 graduation ceremonies, dates, times and locations are subject to change due to COVID-19 response and restrictions that could be placed on event venues. Seating guidelines, mask requirements and other safety measures could be implemented by Colonial Life Arena. Any changes or additional details will be communicated with families and the public as soon as information becomes available.
Student Parking Information
All students are required to take the Alive at 25 class in order to receive a parking pass at IHS. Also, all school debt must be resolved; including school fees, library, IDs or textbook. The bookkeeper will verify that debts have been satisfied.
Please click this link to be directed to information on the IHS website regarding Alive at 25 classes and the online parking pass application. You can also access this information under the resources tab on the IHS homepage. Purchased parking passes can be picked from Ms. Carlsen in the Main Office.
Should you have any questions, please contact Ms. Carlsen at (803) 476-3195 or dcarlsen@lexrich5.org.
Athletics
Ticket sales to all athletics events are online only at https://gofan.co/app/school/SC1145. When attending event, please remember the D5 clear bag policy.
Irmo High School Students may purchase a Fall Season Athletic Pass for only $20!!
Passes allow for admission to all of the football and volleyball games at no additional charge;
cheer is excluded. Students will receive a sticker as proof of purchase and Athletic Pass Stickers must be placed on school ID to be valid.
Students may purchase the pass any time at the Athletic Office, which is located behind the goalpost on the football field.
ATHLETICS
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
SCHOOL COUNSELING
Follow IHS on Social Media!
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/irmohighschool/
Twitter: @irmohigh
Instagram: @irmohigh