The Scorpion
Innovation Academy News March 2024
Principal News
I really and truly need your help. Please plan family vacations around the school calendar, scheduling these trips and events when school is out of session. We have recently had many families taking vacations the week before or the week after a holiday causing students to miss vital class time. Did you know that once a student reaches 18 absences, they become ”unfundable” and Amphitheater Public Schools no longer receives state funding for that student? Sadly, we now have 8 students who have reached that threshold and 12 more who are dangerously close. Our school district has lost over two million dollars in funding due to extreme attendance issues. We understand that illness happens and that sometimes a day here and there added to a school break is necessary, but please try to keep those to a minimum whenever possible.
Congratulations Odyssey of the Mind Competitors!
We are so proud and excited for the Nine IA teams that competed in the recent, local Odessey of the Mind Competition! The 3 Primary teams performed wonderfully. Five of our Division One teams are off to the State Competition to be held on March 30th.
Science & Engineering Fair
IA students in Preschool through 5th grade have been working on Science and Engineering Fair projects. Students in Preschool through 2nd grade participate in a class project and some students do induvial projects. Students in grades 3rd-5th grade participate in a class project and an individual or small group project. To date IA has sent 336 projects to SARSEF, 270 projects were deemed exemplary - winning a total of 356 awards. IA has been named the Top Elementary School twice and seven teachers have been recognized as leaders in STEM education. We are so proud of our students and thankful for our staff working so hard on these projects!
Saturday, March 9th – In-person Awards Ceremonies and Community STEM Expo
Located at the Georges DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park,
800 S Concert Place
Join us for a full day of celebration and exploration! Bring your own chairs, blankets, and umbrellas!
Located on Country Club, just north of 22nd Street
10:00a-11:00a – Elementary (PreK-5th) Awards Ceremony
11:00a-2:00p – Exhibits, Food Trucks, and Live Performances
1:30p –3:00p – Middle and High School Awards Ceremony
Scorpion Stride
Friday, March 15th
Innovation Academy's 7th Annual Scorpion Stride is a fun run/walk for current and incoming Scorpions that promotes fitness while raising money for teacher start-up funds, field trips, grade level grants and other student support needs! This past year PTO had the honor of presenting a check in the amount of $51,467, representing funds to be used from the 2023 Scorpion Stride! Click on the link for more information and to donate today! www.innovationacademypto.org/stride2024
Calling In an Absent Student
Please be sure to call the IA Office or send an email (InnovationOffice@amphi.com) first thing in the morning or the evening before, if your child is going to be absent from school. You will need to call daily or let us know that your child will be absent multiple days. The automated calls are now in place to call you when your child is marked absent and will continue daily unless we have marked them out for each day ahead of time.
Lost & Found
Check out the items on the Lost & Found rack (it floats around the entrance to the main office both inside and outside the gate. ALL ITEMS WILL BE DONATED to the Amphi Foundation Clothing Bank during Spring Break. There are lots of outer wear, water bottles and sweatshirts needing to be claimed.
IA PTO
A Big Shout Out to the PTO for putting on a fantastic Galaxy Gala!! Students, parents and staff had a great time dancing, playing outdoor games and enjoying the many food trucks available. Thank you to all of the volunteers for making it possible!
Innovation PTO
Creating opportunities of educational excellence through parent and educator partnership, financial support, and community engagement.
President: Sarah Branski
President Elect: Jen Dalesio
VP Communications: Marlene Dancil-Register / Jen Zeagler
VP Fundraising: Katie Garro / Desiree Marcone
VP Volunteers: Kathy Lokale
VP Events: Jordyn Carter
Secretary: Ekna Rehm
Treasurer: April Hawthorne / Jeremy Spruce
Staff Appreciation: Gena Luecke
Purchasing - Desirae Rodriguez
Members at Large: Anne Zimmerman
Sign up for updates at: innovationacademypto@gmail.com
Visit our website: innovationacademypto.org