Iroquois Middle School
JUNE 2023 NEWSLETTER
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Iroquois Families:
As we enter into the month of June, we are taking time to reflect on the many successes our students have enjoyed this school year. These successes include the growth that so many of our students have made in their academic achievement and mastery of grade-level standards; the joy that our students have brought about through their participation in our clubs and extracurricular activities, such as the 101 Dalmations production and our two Odyssey of the Mind teams' participation in the World Tournament last weekend; and, perhaps most importantly, the relationships students have made with one another and with the faculty and staff here in the building.
It is important to note that our success is dependent upon many people, especially our parents/guardians and families. We could not have the rich programs and events that we do without your help. In particular, we thank our Iroquois PTSA representative Leslie Murphy and School-Based Planning Team parent representative Dawn Vogler-Elias, who have led the way throughout the year. Together with the staff, I would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to them. We are thankful for their talents, creativity, unending efforts and commitment to our children and school.
Just around the corner, summer vacation provides the perfect opportunity to reflect and rejuvenate before September. However, it is also a time when students can suffer from the “summer slide”—a tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. The good news is that there is strong research evidence showing that students who read over the summer can actually continue their achievement gains. In fact, extensive research tells us that when children select reading materials for themselves and read simply for enjoyment, they often make the most gains in reading achievement, showing particular growth in comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. Reading for pleasure is also proven to improve our focus and attention—it helps sharpen the mind and relax the body. In addition, children and teens tend to read more when the adults in their lives encourage them to read and when they see those adults reading themselves. Consider reading a book with your child this summer, discussing, and enjoying it together.
Most important, I simply want to wish all of you a safe, restorative, and joy-filled summer vacation.
Warm Regards,
Christian
IROQUOIS CONTACT INFORMATION
Principal: Mr. Christian Zwahlen | christian_zwahlen@westiron.monroe.edu
Secretary: Ms. Susan Glastonbury | susan_glastonbury@westiron.monroe.edu
Main office: 585-336-0804
Fax: 585-336-3042
Website: https://irq.westirondequoit.org/
Health Office: 585-336-3091
- Nurse: 585-336-0816
Transportation: 585-336-2992 | Transportation website
District Office: 585-342-5500 | District website: westirondequoit.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUNE
- Jun 5: 5th and 6th Gr Band & Jazz Band Concert 7:00 p.m.
- Jun 8: Spirit Day – Irondequoit Day
- Jun 8: Student Showcase Night 5:30 p.m.
- Jun 14: 4th Gr Band/Chorus/Orchestra Concert @ IHS 7:00 p.m.
- Jun 14-15: 6th Grade Outdoor Education
- Jun 19: NO SCHOOL – JUNETEETH
- Jun 21: Grade 6 Recognition Ceremony 9:15 a.m.
- Jun 21: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Attention parents:
4th Graders
NYS mandates an updated physical for 5th grade. If your child has a physical this year please send a copy to the health office; any physical after 9/1/22 qualifies.
Documents may be faxed 336-3042 or emailed mimi_buerkle@westiron.monroe.edu.
5th Graders
NYS mandates all 6th grade students have the Tdap vaccine prior to the start of 6th grade. If your child child has a physical and receives the Tdap vaccine please send in a copy to school.
Documents may be faxed 336-3042 or emailed mimi_buerkle@westiron.monroe.edu.
6th Graders
NYS mandates the Meningitis vaccine for entry into 7th grade along with an updated physical. Please send your child’s updated physical and Immunization record into the health office.
Students wanting to play fall sports need to have an updated physical on file to begin summer captain’s/preseason work out.
Returning to school after illness:
As a reminder students may not return to school until they are free from fever, diarrhea and vomiting, without the use of medications, for a full day after being sick.
Reporting absences
Please call ALL absences and time out of school for vacations or other commitments, to the health office at 336-3091 or email to jill_bellanca@westiron.monroe.edu
Proper footwear for PE and recess
For your student’s safety, students are only allowed to participate wearing sneakers when playing in PE and recess. Please let your child know they can not participate in recess without proper footwear, that includes outside on the fields and basketball courts.
SURVEY FROM UPLIFT IRONDEQUOIT
Uplift Irondequoit (formerly Drug-Free Irondequoit) has asked our district and East Irondequoit to, with help from their families, to share a survey with our students to gather information around youth and extra-curricular activities in our town.
Please take a few minutes to help inform the types of activities you would like to see, where they would ideally take place and what barriers may exist that prevent participation. This survey is voluntary and you may stop at any time. All responses are confidential. We appreciate you taking a few minutes to help.
IROQUOIS MEDIEVAL BANQUET
THE GOTTFRIED CREW TAKE ITS STAND UP PROJECTS TO BUFFALO
Eight students in Mrs. Gottfried’s fourth-grade class presented their Stand Up projects at the first annual Little Youth Voices Conference at Maryvale Primary School. The program is designed to showcase student voice and their work!
STUDENT SHOWCASE
Please join us for our Student Showcase on June 8th, 2023. This is an opportunity for your child to take you on a tour of the school, show off some of their work and for you to enjoy some refreshments together, courtesy of the PTSA.
- Last names A - L 5:30 - 6:00 PM
- Last names M-Z 6:00 - 6:30 PM
- Refreshments 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the cafeteria
HELMER NATURE CENTER LOGO CONTEST!
ENTRIES DUE FRIDAY, JUNE 2ND AT NOON
Our district’s outdoor classroom, Helmer Nature Center, is turning 50 during the 2023-2024 school year and we'll be witnessing a total solar eclipse in Rochester on Monday, April 8th, 2024. To celebrate both unique events, HNC is holding a contest to design a special nature center logo for next school year. We are asking any West Irondequoit CSD students to help us design this once-in-a-lifetime logo! The deadline is THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd!
Click here to learn more and see the submission form and read Helmer’s Spring newsletter at this link.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Parents/guardians,
Do you:
Have a new cell phone number or email address?
Have a new work phone number?
Need to update your emergency contacts?
Be sure to keep your child's school informed of any changes to your phone numbers or emergency contact information. Update info directly parent portal or send in a note with your child. Thank you!