Inspire Family Newsletter
News and updates for families of Inspire students
January 8, 2021
Dear Inspire Families:
Welcome back! I hope your holidays were wonderful and restful. There is so much happening (as always), so I will attempt to capture a few key updates below:
Continuing Distance Learning through Period 6
This is just a reminder that in December, the Inspire Board decided to postpone school reopening. This means that students will continue distance learning through Periods 5 and 6 (January 4 - March 24), with the exception of some small group in-person learning opportunities.
Parent Information Meeting
We know that you may have questions or concerns about the changes to our school reopening plan, so on Thursday, January 21st at 6 p.m. we will hold a Parent Information Meeting via Zoom, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about these decisions and get answers to your questions. See details below.
Talking to Students About Riots at the U.S. Capitol
As you know, our country experienced unprecedented chaos on Wednesday, as pro-Trump rioters overwhelmed police and stormed Congress in the U.S. Capitol. We knew many students would be confused and outraged by the day's news, and would need guidance from the adults around them to reflect on and discuss what's happening. So, regardless of their subject areas, many teachers put content aside for a time to address these events, help students find reliable information, and facilitate respectful and productive conversations. If you would like resources to continue the conversations at home, see below.
The Inspire Gala
In the midst of this difficult year, we are so pleased to share an event we can all celebrate. The Inspire Gala has always been an opportunity to showcase the incredible work our students produce in every subject area, and to enjoy and celebrate their hard work and talent. This year, the show goes on! Please join us for the 2021 Schoolwide Virtual Gala tomorrow (Saturday, January 9), and cheer on the astounding accomplishments of Inspire students, with family and friends near and far, from the comfort of your home. See details below.
So...whew! As always, I am so grateful for your partnership, support, honest feedback, and good ideas. Don't hesitate to call or email any time.
With gratitude and hope,
Becky Brown
Principal/Superintendent
Inspire School of Arts & Sciences
(530) 230-7758
Messages from the main office:
Office Hours/Scheduling: .
- Office Hours 8-4 Mon-Fri
- Period 4 ENDS Jan 11th
- Period 5 STARTS on Jan 12th!!
- School Calendar
Enrollment is OPEN! Inspire siblings welcome:
Make sure to enroll your incoming freshman by January 31st! Families that already have a student at Inspire receive priority.Tech Exchange for Period 5
If your student was in 4th period Pop Band, Adv. Audio Video or Yearbook/Journalism they must return the school laptop
Monday, Jan 11th between noon and 2pm unless they have made other arrangements.
- If they do not return the laptop, their Inspire account will be suspended and they won’t be able to log-into school accounts.
If their 5th period class is Digital Photo or Yearbook/Journalism they will need to pick up a laptop Monday, Jan 11th from 2 to 4:30pm.
- Please plan on having your student come in themself, as they will have to sign-in to the device while on campus or it won’t work.
- If these times don’t work with your schedule, please contact the office to set up a time to avoid interruptions.
Parent/Guardian Information Meeting
You are invited to join us for the Parent/Guardian Information Meeting on Thursday, January 21 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom, and will include:
- Updates and information about school reopening
- Butte County COVID-19 information and resources
- Resources for supporting students learning from home
- Q and A discussion
To join, click on the link below:
Becky Brown is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Parent Information Meeting: January 21
Time: Jan 21, 2021 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91576567924
Meeting ID: 915 7656 7924
How To Talk To Kids About The Riots At The U.S. Capitol
From an excerpt in Today:
High school aged children don't need as much of a hands-on approach.
“The principal rule is to follow their leads. And if they're not asking you a lot of questions, you don't have to force feed them a lot of information. But you can invite them if they want to sit with you and watch the news together,” Germán said. “The more mature your child is, the more sophisticated the explanation can be. They can handle more details. Older children have a greater sense of empathy.”
Parents can bolster their children’s empathy and that could help them feel less helpless in a situation.
“One thing we can do is to empower our kids to have empathy and help others. So, for example, you could say something as simple as, ‘Let's make a wish that all of the people in Washington, D.C., that were hurt yesterday are going to be okay.’ If you are religious you can incorporate that into your prayer ritual,” Germán said.
This can also be a chance for them to get involved in letter writing or volunteering with a social justice movement. Even teens under 18 can call their elected officials.
“Is there an opportunity for action? Yes,” Gilboa said. “There's definitely an opportunity here to say. Who did you see yesterday behaving admirably? And who did you see yesterday behaving badly? Which legislators? Let's tell them.”
From NPR:
What's notable about this crisis is that so many children were at home where they could watch it unfold in real time, with no check on the dosage of news, says Melinda Macht-Greenberg, a clinical, developmental and school psychologist in the Boston area. She says we should think about "modeling for kids how to be able to manage the questions, the worries, the anxiety as they are emerging, and to be preparing them for some of the things that might happen next that they might be worried about."
She says to watch for changes in eating, sleeping, emotional volatility or clinginess in kids. Take breaks from the news. And keep inviting them to talk, even if they don't seem to want to take in what's happening.
Psychologist Reena Patel says her toolbox for calm with children and teenagers includes breathing exercises, visualizations and positive affirmations, such as "I can do this." She also encourages parents "coming up with ways that we can teach children to compartmentalize some of their worries and stress and anxiety." Like writing them down, or setting aside a certain time of day to talk about them.
Remember, Macht-Greenberg says, this is not a "one and done" situation. We don't have to get these conversations with our children perfect on the first try. We need strategies for the long haul, because we're likely to continue in a moment of "drawn-out," low-grade anxiety between now and the inauguration.
Senior Tributes
Attention senior parent/guardians- The time has come to commemorate and honor your senior in the 2021 yearbook with a senior tribute. Senior tributes are on sale now through February 16, but they will be created on a first come, first serve basis, with limited space. Create and pay online with a credit card, or pay with cash/check using this form.
Questions? contact yearbook@inspirechico.org
Thank you,
-The Anthology Yearbook Staff
Senior Portraits
Or go to the main website www.prestigeportraits.com, click "Our Locations" then find Chico, Ca.
Cap & Gown Deadline: Jan 15
- January 15th is the deadline to order your Cap & Gown: go to the Herff Jones website to order!!!
- The basic Cap & Gown order is only $35 but there are some other packages that you may want to check out for hoodies, keychains, jewelry, lanyards etc.
- Graduates will be able to keep the gown.
- Financial help is available.
- Questions? Contact Sandy Gonzalez for more information.
Senior Parents/Guardian Section
Please check HERE regularly for Senior-specific information:
- Graduation
- *Reg2Go*
- Financial Aide
- Scholarship Information
- Senior-specific Items
TOMORROW - WE GOT THIS!
2021 School-Wide Virtual Gala
Inspire’s yearly Gala is finally here!
Inspire will have a free virtual showing of student performances and presentations at 7PM. The
Gala will help fund our collaborative productions this year such as Phantom of the Opera, our original adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, and student showcases.
Get ready to be inspired! We got this!
Facebook Premiere link: https://inspirechico.news/gala-premiere
YouTube Premiere link: https://inspirechico.news/gala-youtube
Yearbook 2020-2021
Be sure to buy your yearbook now, before prices go up!
From now to April 30th the yearbook will be $85 and starting May 1st it will go to $90.
- Paying with credit card? CLICK HERE and enter school code 16210.
- Paying with cash or check? Fill out the order form and bring exact payment amount (not able to make change) to the front office during office hours.
Email yearbook@inspirechico.org with questions.
School Pictures: Inspire Style
INTRODUCING.... A new & improved school portrait-- using that creativity that Inspire is all about!
We are asking that each student sends in a portrait either taken by themself, or by you/someone else in the household. We are looking for front facing, head/shoulders, plain(ish) background, good quality-no light glares/weird shadows, school appropriate, high resolution image, no snapchat or other filters, photo must be from this school year (Aug-Now), etc. Besides these parameters, please be creative! Submit by February 19.
How: upload using hjeshare, school code 16210, portraits button, include the student's grade and advisor in the prompts
Student IDs: Drive-Up Style
Is your student in need of a valid ID card (no purchase necessary), or would you like formal school portraits to purchase for friends and family?
These photos will not be used in the yearbook. Lifetouch will be here January 19 from 4-6pm, for a drive-up style photo event. Please drive into the entrance gate, and have your student wait in the car in the order you arrived. Someone will greet your masked student, walk them to the photographer, have their picture taken, then walk them back to the vehicle.
If you would like picture day order forms, they will be available in the front office. Student's can pick up a copy during their tech exchange Monday, January 11, any other time the office is open, or when you come for photos.
Questions? Email bhawkins@inspirechico.org
YEARBOOK NEEDS YOUR HELP - SUBMIT PHOTOS TODAY
We aren't on campus gathering pictures of classes and events like usual, so we need you to help submit photos of what school is like for your student at home! Send us photos of your WINTER BREAK!
Here are ways to participate:
- Use the app HJeShare (school code 16210) to upload photos
- Use hjeshare.com (school code 16210) to upload photos
- Email photos to yearbook@inspirechico.org
- Tag photos with #2021InspireYBK on Instagram
- Answer questions asked on instagram @inspireyearbook
- Buy your book on yearbookordercenter.com (school code 16210)
Any Medium, Virtual Community Silent Art Auction Submissions - NEEDED!
Calling all creatives and community artists! The Inspire Production Team is looking for people who would like to create art for our to raise funds for our upcoming productions -- The Phantom of the Opera and Alice in Wonderland!
We are accepting any type of art medium: painting, drawing, pottery, ceramics, chalk, pastels, digital, culinary, carvings, sewing, jewelry, crafting, or anything else inspired by these classic tales.
For additional information contact inspireproductionteam@gmail.com Subject Line: “Art Auction” or to express interest fill out the following submission form: https://forms.gle/scx84pfo31oveeDV7. Have fun with it, and let your imagination run wild!
NOTE: All content must be school appropriate.
Announcing our Parenting Teens Educational Series!
We're proud to present a new webinar series designed to support parents and their teenage children in building skills and creating stronger connections.
The Parenting Teens Educational Series is a series of one-hour online training sessions and talks. From helping teens deal with trauma and crisis, to fostering a healthy transition from middle to high school, to building positive mental health, to engaging in constructive social discourse, and more, we’re bringing parent speakers, educators, and experts in to tackle the issues that matter most to parents, teens, and families.
Now more than ever, tuning in and supporting the well-being of our families couldn’t be more important. Each session of the Parenting Teens Webinar Series will support you in enhancing your understanding of a range of challenging topics, supporting social emotional growth in teenagers, and building stronger communication and connection within your family. Participants will have the opportunity for Q&A with our presenters at the end of each webinar.
To register, and learn more, visit www.InspireChico.org/learning-inspired
Counseling Office
Need to talk to about their schedule?
In need of emotional support?
Let us help!
Office Hours: Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Counselors:
Tasha Teeter -students last names beginning A-K
Marcus Hopkins – students last names beginning L-Z
DON'T MISS OUT ON THE NEW CAMPUS' NAMING OPPORTUNITIES!
Naming a part of the school is a wonderful way to leave a reminder of your generosity or honor a family member or alumni.
Additionally, ALL donations are matched – making your donation even more significant. If you would like to leave a lasting legacy, please contact our Development Director to discuss available options. All pledges can be made over a two year period. We want to work with you and your passion for the future of this school and the thousands of students who will pass through these doors.
Attendance Expectations
Though students are not on campus, attendance is mandatory for both your daily classes and Friday afternoon Advisory.
Distance Learning Attendance Expectations:
- Teachers will track attendance for the duration of class.
- Students are required to log in, on time, at the beginning of each period and remain logged in until excused.
- If a student cannot make a class period, a parent/guardian must call or email attendance as usual.
- Students should stay in communication with their teachers.
To leave a message on the Attendance Line please call (530) 891-3133.
More information HERE.
WHO YOU GONNA CALL?
For attendance:
- Call and leave a message at (530) 891-3133 or
- email attendance@inspirechico.org
For general questions, or material appointments:
- Call the front office at (530) 891-3090
For technology assistance:
- Call or email Ken Hardy
- (530) 891-3090 x209 or email khardy@inspirechico.org
To speak with your child's teacher:
- Call or email by visiting the "Staff" page on our Inspire website.
To speak with the Principal/Superintendent:
- Call (530) 230-7758 or email bbrown@inspirechico.org