Inspire Family Newsletter
News and updates for families of Inspire students
April 8, 2021
Dear Inspire Families:
We need to talk. While the idea of teen suicide can be difficult to contemplate, we need to face the reality that after three years of compounding environmental, social, and health crises, our young people are struggling. A recent survey of students in Butte County revealed an alarming number of students (over 40%) have experienced suicidal ideation. In 2020, we lost five young people in our county ranging in age from 16 - 19 to suicide. With this reality in mind, we want to partner with you in opening up a conversation with students about how to find help if they are struggling with mental health, or how to talk to friends who may looking to them for support.
Inspire is working with our outstanding colleagues at Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) to put together opportunities for students, parents, and Inspire staff to talk, to lean on each other, and to find a way forward out of dark times. Here are a few of the events we have planned:
1) Student Presentation on Suicide Prevention and Awareness - Next week, Inspire students and Advisors will meet with BCOE presenters via Zoom for a 30-minute presentation on how to identify signs of mental health struggles in themselves and others, how to reach out for help if they need it, and how to talk to friends who may need support with mental health.
2) Schoowide Participation in BCOE's End the Silence Event - On April 22, Inspire staff and students will attend this day-long event to listen, learn, and engage in a conversation about teen suicide and mental health. This inspiring and hopeful event will include keynote speakers, educational workshops, listening sessions with high school youth, experiential opportunities, and innovative approaches to healing.
3) Parent Presentation on Teen Suicide Awareness and Prevention - Please join us for this presentation developed for Inspire parents and guardians, led by our partners at BCOE on Thursday, April 15 at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will provide tools and resources for how to identify signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in your child, where to go for help, and how to talk to your child about these difficult topics. The meeting will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and/or learn more about the upcoming End the Silence Event. Join us via Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/92513624175.
As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to think about--and talk about--how much our children are struggling. I am grateful to our friends at BCOE for their help and expertise in how to listen and support our young people. It gives me hope that, together, we can help build resilience and a brighter vision of the future for our kids who have been through so much.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out to me with questions, concerns, and good ideas.
Yours in hope,
Becky Brown
Principal/Superintendent
Inspire School of Arts and Sciences
(530) 230-7758
COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccination Clinic Open for Students 16+ on April 14, 15, and 22
The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination for students 16 and older is now available at no cost at the Chico Community Clinic on Wednesday, April 14th and the Oroville Community Clinic on April 15th and 22nd. Book your appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov. The vaccine is free and proven to be safe and effective.
Free Counseling for Students Affected by the Pandemic
Don't Forget to Enroll Your Incoming Inspire Students
2021-22 Inspire School Calendar
Messages from the main office:
Office Hours/Scheduling:
- Office Hours 8-4 Mon-Fri
- School Calendar
- The Perch
In-Person Learners: Please report to campus no earlier than 8:15. Class will begin at 8:30 and be excused at 12pm, as they have for most of the year. Please do not linger on campus after class unless you have permission to do so.
- Please have your Covid-19 Parent/Student Agreement Form filled out and turned into the office upon arrival.
Distance Learners: No changes, please log on from 8:30 to noon.
Inspire is pleased to announce that we will be honoring our 2021 Inspire graduates with a Drive-In Graduation at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds on Tuesday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Families can attend in their own vehicles and enjoy a celebration of our Seniors' accomplishments with a virtual ceremony on the big screen. Students will have the opportunity to receive their diplomas in person, with a walk across the stage. We are also planning opportunities for families to take photos of their seniors with diplomas.
For questions, contact Becky Brown at bbrown@inspirechico.org
Senior Parents/Guardian Section
Please check HERE regularly for Senior-specific information:
- Graduation
- *Reg2Go*
- Financial Aid
- Cash for College Webinar
- Scholarship Information
- Senior-specific Items
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.
Inspire Performing Arts Boosters
People always ask: “How can we/I help?”
Usual response is: “Fill our seats, spread the word to increase our audiences, make a program ad purchase, get goodies at the concessions booth, or donate time and items when called for.”
For ten years, this has been enough, but now these ways to help the Performing Arts have been obliterated by the pandemic. After waiting a year for things to improve, we have decided to form a new plan and WE NEED YOU! We have created an Inspire Performing Arts (IPA) Boosters Program. All donations will go directly to our programming and are tax deductible. We need to get through this and allow our students to have the amazing learning opportunities they deserve even if they look a little different.
STEP 1: Visit our Boosters Website hosted by the Inspire Foundation on the Classy platform of giving. https://www.classy.org/campaign/Inspire-Performing-Arts-Boosters/c326012
[More details and specific info can be found on this site].
STEP 2: Become an IPA Boosters Member or IPA 5 STAR Boosters Member by making an annual membership donation. You can securely donate online or make a cash/check donation at the Inspire Office made payable to "Inspire ASB" Memo Line "IPA Boosters."
STEP 3: Give to other upcoming events that need a boost: The Phantom of the Opera, the Inspire Performing Arts Festival, Inspire’s 10th Annual Graduation, Alice in Wonderland, Inspire Summer Performing – “Rock the Musical”, or help with ongoing production needs. These are all options on the site.
STEP 4: Share our IPA Boosters program via word-of-mouth, Instagram, FaceBook, E-mail, text…get creative! Help promote our one-of-a-kind educational program by encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to give Inspire Performing Arts a BOOST! We have already raised our first $1000.
STEP 5: Take part in our upcoming spring fundraisers: Any Medium Art Auction in conjunction with the Inspire Foundations Virtual Art Action – April 1-25 (artwork inspired by Phantom or Alice), Grease Dress-up Movie Night at Meriam Park Drive-in - May 22, or promote our summer musical theatre intensive for grades 6-12 – July 12-23 through CARD. [Registration begins April 5.]
STEP 6: Consider giving monthly to Inspire through our Inspire Foundations monthly give program to continually support our programs and capital campaign for our new campus.
You can stop reading here and go to the website to give us a BOOST… or if you would like more details contact Production Director Jarrah Myles. Sometimes we need more information to understand where our donation will go and whom it will help. We also need IPA Boosters who can become well-informed advocates and really help us through this transition back from a year-long hiatus.
It's the first of the month, there's money in the bank, make our mission come to life: Inspire Performing Arts (IPA) Boosters Program supports the creative, challenging, and nurturing environment designed by Inspire School of Arts & Sciences that offers passionate and focused students professional preparation for higher education and life-long learning in the arts. We are the crew behind the crew!
Inspire Summer Performing Arts – “Rock the Musical”
Sing – Act – Dance – Produce… Musical Theatre Inspire Style! This summer Inspire School of Arts & Sciences is proud to present a 2-week, immersive musical theatre intensive. Students will be introduced to the world of theatre by exploring works from our very favoring rock musicals such as: Grease, The Rocky Horror Show, The Wiz, Evita, Dreamgirls, Hair, Tommy, Rent, Aida, Movin’ Out, Footloose, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde, Next to Normal, American Idiot, Spider-man, Heathers, School of Rock, Head Over Heels, Jagged Little Pill, and SpongeBob. Students will be placed in cohorts based on age and experience, then do a Zoom interview the week before the program begins for placement. Enthusiastic and experienced professional artistic staff will work with students in all areas including, but not limited to: acting, vocals, choreography, stagecraft, and performing. Inspire Performing Arts teachers will set the curriculum and we will employ Inspire alumni as guest instructors. Students will explore and deepen their understanding of the craft of performance and develop their own skills in all areas.
$25 supply fee payable at on first day includes event t-shirt and PPE. Camp includes a showing on the evening of 7/23. Must register by 7/1. Inspire School of Arts & Sciences - High School.
Day: M-F | Date: 7/12-7/23 | Time: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM | Grades: 6-12 | Fee: $275
*Current Inspire juniors and seniors will be eligible to apply for camp counselor positions allowing them to lead and participate in the program for FREE. Interviews will be held in late-April for this limited placements.
Mark your calendars - More details to come!
Inspire Virtual Auction: April 10-25
The Phantom of the Opera: April 25 & 30, May 1
PA Spring Festival: May 14-15
Senior Awards Night: May 18
Film Festival: May 21
Drive-In Movie Night - Grease: May 22
Graduation: June 1
Alice in Wonderland: June 15-19
ISPA Rock the Musical: July 12-23
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
Has your student finished selecting their classes for next year? No! Have your student email their counselor to let them know what classes they want, ASAP!
Otherwise, they will be placed in classes by the counselors based on what they need, and the best guess at what your child might like. Help them out!
Attention Junior & Sophomore Parents/Guardians!
Registration is now open for the WACAC Virtual College Fairs! Sign-up to connect with colleges and universities from around the country for free.
Hear from college and university representatives & ask questions!
Choose your sessions.
Attend our knowledge sessions.
Navigating the UC & CSU Application
Paying for College
Writing College Essays
Learn More! www.strivescan.com/wacac
Schedule
List of Colleges
WACAC Virtual Transfer College Fair
April 19th, 2021, from 4 - 8pm - Register Now!
INSPIRE VIRTUAL AUCTION STARTS SATURDAY!
This year, the Inspire Foundation is taking our annual fundraiser online with a virtual auction, running from April 10th through 25th, 2021! From local and international vacation getaways (like the one featured below), to winery and brewery tours and tastings, to gorgeous jewelry and art, the Inspire Virtual Auction will offer experiences and items to you while giving you a chance to support all Inspire programs.
This event is part of our 2021 public fundraising effort to build a new, state-of-the-art campus and permanent home for our Inspire family, breaking ground in 2022!
Greek Islands trip for two!
VIP Tour & Wine Tasting in Sonoma
Glass Necklace & Earrings from local Artisan
Here's how you can get involved:
Donate to a cause and get entered in the weekly raffle. For every donation received on our auction site, you will be entered to win in our weekly raffle starting on March 12th and will continue through April 23rd. Each donated dollar gets one raffle ticket, so the more you donate, the more likely you are to win. You get a tax write-off and a chance to win great prizes!
Donate an auction item or naming opportunity on the new campus. By contributing an item to our auction, you will have access to a range of marketing benefits, including social media, website, and newsletter acknowledgment with nationwide visibility. Additionally, any investment in a naming opportunity by March 31, 2021 will earn you recognition as a sponsor of the April auction on social media, our website, and beyond. To learn more about naming opportunities visit our Capital Campaign webpage or to donate an item, visit our auction page and select "Donate Auction Items".
Spread the word. RSVP "Going" to the Facebook auction event for regular updates leading up to April 10th and through the 25th, and invite your friends to join the fun as well!
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
Contact Us!
Learning, inspired.
Email: outreach@inspirechico.org
Website: www.inspirechico.org
Location: 335 West Sacramento Avenue, Chico, CA, USA
Phone: 530-891-3090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirechico