PFT Sign Ups
CAASPP Testing
Each year, the State of California requires public schools to reach a 95% participation rate for state standardized testing (CAASPP testing, sometimes also referred to as SBAC testing). If a school has less than 95% of its students participate, they are at risk of losing their charter and WASC accreditation. We are not asking our parents to change their homeschool style or “buy-in” to Common Core State Standards. However, we do need your support in ensuring that our students are in attendance at testing and that they do the best they can. Your participation in helping us meet the minimum 95% requirement is one important way you can aid in safeguarding the survival of our charter. Our school is penalized on our performance levels in math and language arts when we do not meet the 95%.
A second way you can help is to make sure your students are familiar with the testing platform. This will give them the best advantage to show what they know. Please utilize this resource of How to Take a Practice Test and Check-Out Designated Supports to walk them through how to navigate the testing portal. We know our homeschool students are smart and we need to make sure they do their best during state testing to demonstrate that our programs are working. Even if a student scores below grade level, our school can benefit academically when students show growth from year to year.
Inspire Charter Services’ Testing Department has created a series of presentations in response to questions and concerns received from our homeschooling families about state standardized testing. I hope you will find these videos, along with the additional supporting resources and articles, to be helpful in alleviating any fears or anxieties your family may be facing with regards to testing. Please take the time to review these Parent Testing Videos and Resources to see if you feel any would be beneficial for your family. We would also appreciate it if you could complete this Parent Testing Video Survey and give us your feedback.
We appreciate the opportunity you have given us to partner with you in your homeschooling journey. We look forward to many more years of supporting the homeschool community and their unique styles of education
Join Inspiring Parents on the First Wednesday of the Month
Our featured guest speaker and Student Services writing specialist, Genieva Davidson, provided a close up tour of the Writing Interventions website she developed. If your student is working at grade level, or above, then in your mind, change the title of this website to Writing Resources because everyone can benefit from the treasure trove of free lessons and how-to videos found here.
Missed the live webcast? Sign up here to receive the February 5th recording link via email.
Click this link to view the clickable topics which will transport you to the free writing resources and how-to video web page. On the site, you can scroll down to view the grade level and resources you need.
Inspiring Parents meets the first Wednesday of each month from 1-2 p.m.
In March, we will focus on Elementary Writing Strategies from 1-2 p.m. and Middle to High School Writing Strategies from 2-3 p.m. Bookmark this link to join the online session each month. Come and grow your teaching toolkit with us!
Field Trip Tip
1. Log in to www.icsinspirationstation.net and you will see “Hi (your name)” on the top right, with a little drop down arrow next to it. *Tip: if you're on your phone, just turn it horizontally and this will show.
2. Press the arrow and it will offer the option of viewing “My Account.”
3. Click on "My Account" and it will list all of the field trips you have signed up for. This includes all the links to the pages where you signed up, so you can find the lead teacher's name, email address and phone number!
An Important Message About Field Trips
Inspire Planners Feedback
It may feel too soon, but Inspire is already planning their 2020-2021 school planners and we'd love to hear your thoughts on what you thought of this year's planners!
If you missed the Bravewriter webcast
Julie Bogart, creator of BraveWriter shared techniques for how to incorporate writing across the curriculum and ways to make it fun.
If you missed the live webcast, click on this link http://bit.ly/BraveLearnerFreeResources to add your email address and receive Writing Across the Curriculum, Writer's Jungle and High School Writing Help, as well as the Brave Learner Companion Guide.
Parent Testing Resources Website
Academic Video Library
Instructions to access Academic Video Library can be found here.
Below is the newsletter for February and March. Although there are some fun events planned for both months, be sure to check out your nearest Test Prep Party going on in March. Also, If you have attended a Community Connections event, will you please take the time to fill out THIS survey? We would appreciate your feedback. Lastly, you may bring any non-consumable Enrichment item you need to return to the mobile Lending Library. They will be at select Community Connections events that are happening at parks throughout the county, but for returns only at this time.
February OC Community Connections Newsletter
March OC Community Connections Newsletter
We would like to ask that if you are unable to attend an event that you have RSVP’d for, please cancel your ticket and inform the coordinator for that location. It helps with supplies and planning. Thank you!
If you need any assistance, please reach out to the CC in that area or to our Regional Community Coordinator, Gina Garland: ggarland@inspireschools.org
Why Homeschooling is the Best: Peaceful Morning Routines
The morning often dictates how the rest of your day is going to pan out. So a positive start to the day can mean success, harmony, and, of course, learning. If you can ease into the day with gentle activities, rather than frantically rushing around, you can create a soothing learning environment for your kids and a less stressful day for you. "
Read the rest of the article here.
Irvine Park Railroad's 24th Anniversary
To celebrate our 24th year of business and to show our appreciation to all our loyal customers… we’re rolling back to our original 1996 prices!
The cost is $2.00 per ticket; this price is valid during the Anniversary Celebration weekend only. Coupons, discounts, and any other promotions are not valid on the Anniversary Celebration dates.
February 29 – March 1, 2020
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
ENTRANCE TO THE CELEBRATION IS FREE
Activity tickets are $2.00 each
Tickets are only valid during the Anniversary Celebration
IRVINE REGIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE
Weekdays $3.00 per vehicle
Weekends $5.00 per vehicle
Holidays $7.00 per vehicle
Please see Event Parking for details
Ladan Rashidi - OC Family Liaison
Shaemanique King - OC Family Liaison
