The Buzz
Volume 3, Edition 26, March 11, 2022
Irmo High School International School for the Arts
We bring our A Game to all we do in Academics, the Arts, Athletics, Attendance and Attitude by promoting the 3 R's - being Respectful, Responsible and Reputable.
Website: https://www.lexrich5.org/IHS
Location: 6671 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: (803) 476-3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irmohighschool
Twitter: @IrmoHigh
What's New This Week....
No School for Students Monday, March 14
Important Information from our Attendance Office
Parents/guardians are asked to email Ms. Menger at emenger@lexrich5.org.
The attendance office opens at 7AM and closes promptly at 3:15PM every day.
There will be no dismissals after 3:15PM.
For more information about our attendance procedures, please visit our website here.
#IrmoStrong Elementary Schools Playdate in the Park & Sponsorship Opportunity
The Irmo Elementary PTA is sponsoring the Play Date in the Park for all #IrmoStrong elementary schools on Saturday, April 2nd! The event aims to bring together elementary schools that feed into Irmo High School.
Families are invited to join the Play Date in the Park! We would love for you and your family to come to join the fun! We hope to see you at the Irmo Community Park on April 2nd from 8am-11am.
And local businesses, they need your help! Please consider sponsoring the event and show your support and love to our Irmo Cluster Schools. Yard Sign -$50
You are invited to place your business logo or sponsor's name on the sign. Let's show Irmo the love and support coming from our community! Email the IES PTA at irmoepta@gmail.com for more info.
Thanks, Link Signs and Graphics, for your partnership!
We celebrate National School Breakfast Week
Thank you to our wonderful Student Nutrition Staff for the delicious grits this morning as we celebrate National School Breakfast Week!
Music in our Schools Month #IrmoStrong
IMS honorband students spent a day at Irmo High School learning from and playing with Professional musicians and music educators! #MusicInOurSchoolsMonth
Class Ring Ceremony
Graduation & Jostens Info
Graduation ** June 3rd ** 8:00am (plan to arrive around 6:30am) ** Colonial Life Arena.
1) There are no tickets required this year. This means you can invite as many guests as you would like to attend.
2) The Graduate entrance will open as early as 6:30am.
3) The CLA is working to make parking as simple/convenient as possible. But, any guests will need to prepare for traffic and parking issues with graduation being on a Friday morning work day in Downtown Columbia.
Jostens will be at IHS on Thursday, March 17th from 11:00 - 2:00pm in Main Street. Students, you MUST have a $0 balance in order to pick up your items.
Stoles will also be available to purchase. These will be $12 CASH ONLY!!!!! If you need a reminder of what color(s) you are eligible for, please contact your School Counselor.
ORDER
1) www.rhodesgraduation.com
2) Click on "Shop" - top right, then "Senior - Shop"
3) Click "South Carolina", "Columbia", "Irmo High School"
4) Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click on "Regalia"
5) Far left package - Cap, Gown, Tassel, and Diploma Cover are required - add to cart
PAY
1) www.rhodesgraduation.com
2) Click on "Pay" - top right, then "Senior - Pay"
3) Click "South Carolina", "Columbia", "Irmo High School"
4) Top left you will see "Make a Payment" or "Find My Order" - you can look up your order to see your items purchased and how much of a balance you have left
Take Note -- Change to Delayed Wednesday Dates
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 will now be a LATE START DAY.
Thank you!
UofSC Moore School of Business Power Forward Conference
The Darla Moore School of Business Office of Diversity & Inclusion is hosting its first Power Forward Conference virtually on Saturday, April 2 from 10 am - 2pm for high school students across the state.
This free virtual conference is designed to be highly informative and engaging and will feature panel sessions and speakers discussing topics ranging from e-sports and entrepreneurship to applying for college and receiving financial aid awards. Students will hear from current college students, industry experts, and our keynote speaker, Eric Tatum, Manager of Federal Energy Solutions at Dominion Energy.
All students who register before March 20th will receive a pre-conference packet filled with fun prizes! As an added bonus we are providing two special incentives for all students that attend and actively engage throughout the conference; a post-conference thank you gift and a chance to be entered into a drawing to win a signed basketball from UofSC Women’s Basketball Coach, Dawn Staley!
Learn more and register at https://sc.edu/.../diversity.../power_forward/conference.php
Free, on-campus Test Prep Session
Tim Anderson of Attest, LLC, will be conducting free SAT/ACT workshops on Tuesday, March 22nd. Students will practice test-taking strategies, learn how to comprehend questions, and learn tips for success. Space is limited to 40 students per session.
We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity. Sign-up is limited to 40 students so please do not delay. If you do sign up, we request that you attend, since there is limited space.
Sign up here: Free SAT/ACT Workshop
Seat Time Make-up Dates
Parents/guardians will be or have been notified if a student is required to recapture seat time. Seat time will take place:
Saturday, March 19th 8am-2pm
Saturday, April 23rd 8am-2pm
Saturday, May 14th 8am-2pm
For more information, please email Mr. Yobs.
School Counseling Information
Palmetto Boys State Applications are Open!
The American Legion’s Palmetto Boy's State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system. This summer PBS will be held in-person at Anderson University during the week of June 12-18, 2022.
It is an honor to be chosen as a delegate to Palmetto Boy's State. PBS's primary objective is to take young men who have demonstrated leadership in their own communities and train them in practical, democratic principles of government so that they may actively participate in the organization, election and functions of all 3 branches of government.
Cool Fact: Many of our state’s political, business, and community leaders attended Boy's State.
If you would like to represent Irmo High School as a Palmetto Boy's State Delegate, please stop by the School Counseling office for an application. Along with your completed application, please submit your resume (see Ms. Etheridge in the Career Center if you need assistance creating one!). Applications are due to Ms. Jacobs in school counseling by April 15th.
Midlands Tech Senior Day!
When: March 24, 8:30am
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/34rqENs
Excellence Activated!
There are still openings for the Richland County Alumnae Black Women & Girls Conference 2022, Saturday, March 19, 2022, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm.
Click the link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-black-women-girls-conference-tickets-249815223057
School Social Work Awareness Week
It's School Social Work Awareness Week and we celebrate our #IrmoStrong Social Worker Ms. LaTarsa Williams, whom we share with Irmo Elementary School.
School social work is a specialized area of practice within the broad field of the social work profession. School social workers bring unique knowledge and skills to the school system and the student services team. School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy.
School social workers are instrumental in furthering the mission of the schools which is to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and for the attainment of competence and confidence. School social workers are hired by school districts to enhance the district's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.
More information: https://www.lexrich5.org/Page/24916
March Scholarship List
Free SAT/ACT Practice Test
Attached below is a flyer for a free practice ACT or SAT for Irmo High students on Monday, 3/14. The flyer includes a QR code that families use to register.
Parent Portal
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JJo2GggI-qK6yP-HJurP1-HBiT62_V8oUCeXvBpX6Nk/edit
Class of 2022 -- How to Report your Scholarships & More
Scholarship awards received by graduating seniors need to be documented. The School Counseling Department needs this information to be able to celebrate your success and to accurately report scholarship awards (academic, athletic, military, or other) for the Class of 2022.
Please use your student Google email account when adding your scholarship awards. The name and photo associated with your Google account will allow us to follow up with you if additional information is needed. You will also be asked to upload a copy of the actual award letter or email. Please print to PDF or take a screenshot and upload.
A new form must be completed for each scholarship award. If you have questions, please see your School Counselor.
The Scholarship Award Reporting Form is here.
Magnet Information
International Baccalaureate Field Trip to the Columbia Museum of Art
Our 11th and 12th grade International Baccalaureate and Advanced Visual Arts students enjoyed a field trip yesterday to the Columbia Museum of Art, where they learned about Art as Communication through docent-led tours and creating their own prints.
Photo credit: Teacher Ray Krolwicz
Celebrating The Arts
School District Five presents the School District Five Visual Arts Showcase!
Click here to view our virtual gallery: https://sites.google.com/lexrich5.org/d5visualartsshowcase/high-school/irmo-high?authuser=0
Athletics
Track and Field wins at home!
Congratulations to Irmo Softball!
Congratulations, Baseball
Congratulations to Irmo Baseball varsity player, Carson Rivers, on being named to the 2022 Red Bank Invitational All-Tournament Team!
Girls Lacrosse Graining Ground!
Irmo Girls Soccer Off to a Good Start!
IYJC Athletic Scholarship Application is Available!
All senior varsity athletes are encouraged to apply!
This year, there are three levels of scholarships: $1000, $500, and $250. The deadline for the applications is March 31st.
Irmo Cheerleading Interest Meeting
There will be an Irmo Cheerleading Interest Meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd from 6:00 - 7:30pm in the Main Gym at IHS. There will be important information regarding Tryouts, an Athletic Trainer to discuss Physicals/PlanetHS, and General Information provided. Please go ahead and fill out the Tryout Interest Form, if you haven't already, and join the Google Classroom using the code from the form. If you have any questions, email Coach Whipple at KWhipple@lexrich5.org
Learn more about Irmo Athletics!
For information about all our sports teams, visit:
Previously Published Information:
Yearbook Info
- Students and Families are invited to submit photos for the yearbook! We are currently looking for pictures of Irmo High students at work, volunteering, traveling or participating in extracurricular activities. Share first day of school pictures, friend group pictures and other milestones. Submit pictures using this link and use access code irmo.
- You can order your 2022 yearbook online!
- Visit www.yearbookforever.com to place an ad or order.
Nominations accepted for the Irmo Athletics Hall of Fame!
Irmo High School Athletics is accepting nominations for the 2022 Irmo High School Athletic Hall of Fame! Former IHS Athletes (at least 10 years past IHS graduation) and former IHS Coaches (at least 5 years retired) may be nominated. The last day for nominations is March 11, 2022.
COVID Form For Parents/Guardians
Dear Parents/guardians:
D5 has created a new way for parents and guardians to report COVID-19 related issues directly to the school nurse via a Google Doc.
Please complete this COVID form if any of the following apply to your student:
-Your student has recently tested positive for COVID-19
-Your student is currently showing symptoms of COVID-19
-Your student has come into close contact with a positive COVID-19 case in the community
-Your student has come into close contact with a positive COVID-19 case in the household
*This form can also be accessed via Irmo High School Website here, in the Need to Know section.
Please reach out to Nurse Patricia Powell (803-476-3032/ppowell@lexrich5.org) if you have any questions or concerns.
Juniors -- ACT or SAT prep is waiting for you!
FREE SAT/ACT TEST PRACTICE TESTS
You can access full SAT and ACT practice sections and tests for free online! You can take a practice test online, or print it and take it on paper. Be sure to score your practice tests, and review all the answer explanations, even the explanations for the answers you got right!
SAT practice test: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests
ACT practice tests: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html
Practice Materials through the SAT Website: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/
SAT Practice through Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
SAT Prep through Chegg: https://www.chegg.com/test-prep/free-resources/sat
Practice Materials through the ACT Website: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/
ACT Prep through ACT Academy: https://academy.act.org/
ACT Prep through Chegg: https://www.chegg.com/test-prep/free-resources/act
ACT Practice through Sophia.org: https://www.sophia.org/preparing-for-college/act-test-preparation
ACT & SAT Practice at PrepFactory: https://www.prepfactory.com
ACT & SAT Practice at USA Test Prep: http://www.usatestprep.com/
PowerScore: www.powerscore.com
Kaplan: https://www.kaptest.com/sat/free/events
Attest, LLC : www.SATPrepTeacher.com
Student Parking Information
Parking Registration for 2021 – 2022 School Year, Second Semester
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- IHS Student Parking Application - this Google form must be completed in its entirety.
Once a student/parent has completed the parking pass registration online, a follow-up email will be sent that will approve the student if all requirements are met. At that point, students/parents will be directed to the online payment center to purchase the parking pass. Once the payment is received, the student may pick up his/her permanent parking pass from Ms. Carlsen in the Main Office.
- A student needs to have completed the “Alive@25” course (given by the National Safety Council) prior to completing the parking application for first time applicants. This course only has to be taken once. For information and registration, go to https://scnsc.org/training/alive-at-25. The cost of the course is $40.
- Students must possess a valid driver's license to be eligible to purchase a parking space.
ALL of these conditions must be met for a student to be considered for a parking spot.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Debra Carlsen, dcarlsen@lexrich5.org, 803.476.3195. Thank you.
Revised Tardy Policy as of January 12, 2022
Being tardy means arriving late to class. Students who arrive late to class miss out on important learning opportunities and interrupt class.
When a student has tardies, these are the following consequences:
- 1-5 tardies: admin conference or 1 lunch detention
- 6-10 tardies: 2-3 lunch detentions and parent contact
- 11-15 tardies: 1/2 day ISS and/or parent conference
- 15+ tardies: full day ISS and parent conference
Chromebook Support - The Tech Nest is here to help!
Students, need a Chromebook repaired? Come to the Tech Nest in the Media Center between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm Monday through Thursday.
Online Lunch Application is Needed to Receive Other Benefits
Breakfast and lunch for students will be provided at no cost during the 2021–2022 school year.
Eligible families are encouraged, however, to complete the online meal applications for the 2021–2022 school year, which determines eligibility for other benefits, including P-EBT funding, scholarships, reduction in school fees, camp fees waived or reduced, ACT/SAT fees waived or reduced, etc. Families may complete the online meal applications at www.lunchapplication.com.
Wednesday mornings - Late Start
On Wednesdays, classes start one hour later to allow for teachers to participate in professional development. The first bell rings at 9:10 am and classes begin at 9:20 am. The morning CATE Bus leaves the IHS bus loop at 9:05am on Late Start Wednesdays.
Bell Schedules are on our website: https://www.lexrich5.org/IHS , Our School tab, Bell Schedules page.
Mark your calendars for the NO Late Start Days for this school year:
October 13, 2021
December 15, 2021
January 12, 2022
March 2, 2022
March 30, 2022
May 4, 2022
May 11, 2022
May 18, 2022
May 25, 2022
June 1, 2022
ATHLETICS
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
SCHOOL COUNSELING
Follow IHS on Social Media!
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/irmohighschool/
Twitter: @irmohigh
Instagram: @irmohigh