The Buzz
Volume 3, Edition 10, October 29, 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
This week, as part of our Discover 5 Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Grant, our school-level Equity Team met with Dr. Donna Elam, District 5 consultant and president of the Elam Leadership Institute, to discuss our school's efforts to improve the academic achievement of all students. We are striving to enhance student voices and student leadership throughout all aspects of our school. This work aligns with our strategic plan goals shared with you last week. Continuous improvement!
With Irmo Pride,
Dr. Robin L. Hardy
New This Week:
Fall Break is Friday, October 29 - Monday, November 1!
Monday, November 1: Schools and Offices Closed
Tuesday, November 2 is an A Day.
Congratulations to this week's Shining Stingers!
Every week, our "staffulty" (staff + teachers) nominate students for actively demonstrating the 3Rs of being Responsible, Reputable, and Respectful. This week's Shining Stingers are:
Teacher- Amy Mew
Student- Maeve McGinley
"This student has proven herself to be responsible in the classroom, theater, and scene shop. I have come to trust her reliability, knowing that she will get the job done without hesitation. She is quick to communicate any issues or needs, so I can do my best to equip her and the team with the materials needed to complete the task at hand. She is an absolute joy to teach in the classroom and in the shop. I also love watching her put her creativity to use. Maeve embodies all 3 of the "R's" but her responsibility is nearly unmatched. I'm so proud to teach her."
Teacher- Stephanie Dukes
Student- Khanh Letran
"Khanh is a joy to have in class! She is attentive, thoughtful, and eager to learn!"
Teacher- Christine Hampton
Student- Quennell Walters
"Quennell is respectful to classmates and teachers. He is quick to volunteer to help when it is needed. He gives a 100% effort in everything that he does! Quennell is a pleasure to have in my classroom!"
Teacher- Bonnie Robinson
Student- Dayshaun Douglas
"Dayshaun is an absolute pleasure to teach. He is thoughtful, is respectful to adults and students, has a great work ethic, completes all of his work, and is considerate of others. He is only a 9th grader, but is mature beyond his years! "
Congratulations to our Region Orchestra Musicians!
Congratulations to our Orchestra students who will represent Irmo High School at the 2021 Region Orchestra Event in November!
- Erika Tisdale - 11-12 Senior Honors Region Orchestra - Violin
- Sheldon Harris - 11 -12 Senior Honors Region Orchestra - 1st Alternate Violin
- Mia Louden - 11-12 Senior Honors Region Orchestra - Viola
- Jessica King - 11-12 Senior Honors Region Orchestra - Cello
- Collins McBeth - 11-12 Senior Honors Region Orchestra - Cello
- Matthew Curry - 11-12 Senior Honors Region Orchestra - Bass
- Quinn Hickerson - 9-10 Senior Region Orchestra - Violin
- Natalie Bailey - 9-10 Senior Region Orchestra - Viola
- Caroline Calore - 9-10 Senior Region Orchestra - Cello
- Kaitlyn Bailey - 9-10 Senior Region Orchestra - Cello
- Noah Graham - 9-10 Senior Region Orchestra - Bass
Read All About it in the first issue of the 2021 Student Newspaper, The Stinger
2022 IHS College Entrance Assessments for Third Year Students
During March 2022, all students in their third year of high school have the opportunity to take the ACT® or the SAT® during the school day. There is no cost to families because this test administration is being funded by the state of South Carolina.
- The SAT will be administered Wednesday, March 2 (A Day) from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm.
- The ACT will be administered Tuesday, March 8 (A Day) from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm.
Students / Families, please complete the following Google selection form by Monday, November 29, to make your selection: IHS College Entrance Assessments for Third Year Students
For information about the two tests, please refer to this video. You also may visit the IHS School Counseling website.
If you have questions regarding the submission of the form, please contact Mrs. Katie Manning at kmanning@lexrich5.org. Should you need advisement on making a test selection for your student, please contact School Counseling at 803.476.3211.
Proficient in Spanish, German, French, Chinese or ASL? 11th & 12th graders, consider applying for the SC Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award that can be made by a state department of education or school district to recognize students who have attained a certain level of proficiency in both English and at least one additional world language by graduation. The cost of the test is $29.90.
Students should ask their World Language teacher for more information and email Mr. Buerstner to sign up.
Make-up Yearbook Photos -- sign up for Nov. 10
Makeup yearbook book pictures will be taken on Wednesday, November 10th in the small gym. Seniors who missed senior portraits must sign up for a sitting time at https://seniors.legacystudios.com/irmo-high-school-columbia-sc/
Underclassmen who need to take yearbook photos should email eparker@lexrich5.org for a scheduled time.
Save the Date for the Fall Play!
Come one, come all to see Twelfth Night (modern, 90s version!) at the Irmo Center for the Arts at Irmo High School on November 12 and 13!
Purchase your ticket here and support the local up-and-coming artists in your community: https://gofan.co/app/school/SC1145
Winter Guard Tryout Info
Covid Self-Assessment Reminder from Nurse Powell
Please remember to self-assess each morning before school for possible COVID symptoms. Click https://www.lexrich5.org/Page/26533 for symptom screening checklist. Please note that if your child comes to the nurse's office for one of the main symptoms or two or more of the secondary symptoms, s/he will be sent home for COVID testing or quarantine. Thank you from Nurse Powell!
School Counseling Information
Thank you to our School Counselors and Irmo Ambassadors for the activities this week!
College Application Day is November 5 but please SIGN UP by November 2!
College Application Day will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 8:20-3:00pm in the back of the Media Center. Students, you have to sign up by November 2.
We will have College Representatives here to answer questions and assist you with completing your applications, as well as, waiving application fees. Military Recruiters will also be present. Use the link above to register and select the block that you would like to attend.
Attendance will be excused while you attend College Application Day. Students are responsible for making up any missed assignments for that block.
Accuplacer exam, November 2
ISO Job Shadow Partnerships!
Calling on our #IrmoStrong community!!!!! Are you part of a local business or have suggestions for Job Shadowing opportunities? Let's connect!
Contact Career Specialist, Jennifer Etheredge at 803-476-3057 if you have any questions.
College Culture Day -- every Wednesday
College Acceptance Recognition Initiative
To be recognized, please submit this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAs05UQVQTt7aZd46fIZrKsm_EAuJj-Ns7g3ntkAGBNJEBSw/viewform
IHS Magnet Update
Arts-Integration
The photos above show Ms. Carson’s AP World History students taking a deep dive into the artistic accomplishments of the Ming dynasty. While learning about the geography, culture, art, and politics, students designed and painted their own version of Ming porcelain.
As an arts-integration magnet school, the visual or performing arts standards are incorporated into all subject areas with an intentional focus on active student engagement and rigorous academic content. An active learner connects more deeply with the academic content; through arts-integration, our students interact with information in a meaningful, personal way.
IHS is a nationally certified magnet school through Magnet Schools of America. #ThisIsIRMO #IrmoMagnet
Athletics
Girls Cross Country = Region Champions!
Congratulations to our Girls Varsity Cross Country team for being Region Champions four years in a row!
Congratulations to our Boys Varsity Cross Country for their strong second place finish!
Congratulations to Carina Burdick (3rd in Region), Lily Jenkins (7th in Region), and Jonah (5th in Region) for making the All-Region Team!
Boys Basketball Tryout Info
Any Boy interested in trying out for B-team, JV, or Varsity Boys Basketball, please join the following Google Classroom for more information: ykvakv6
Please email Coach Whipple or Coach Quillen with any questions.
Girls Basketball Tryout Info
Wrestling Tryout Info
JV Cheer 4-0
Cheer
Volleyball
Previously Published Information:
In-Person PSAT / SAT / ACT test prep after school (free)
We appreciate our teachers who are also PSAT / SAT / ACT coaches!
Teachers Ms. Dukes and Mr. Bennett offer in-person coaching sessions in their classrooms after school and news/tips about the tests in our school's testing-info Google Classroom. Want some weekly practice and updates? Be sure to join the testing-info Google Classroom, from your student email address, using code gmwkzmg.
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 Monday through Thursday.
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.
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.
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
ATHLETICS
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
SCHOOL COUNSELING
Follow IHS on Social Media!
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/irmohighschool/
Twitter: @irmohigh
Instagram: @irmohigh