Learn about Prop J

SDUSD is proposing a temporary parcel tax that will cost home owners $98 a year and, in return for that, schools will receive $50 million each year over the next 5 years. Please learn about Prop J for yourself and tell everyone you know to do the same.

In the past 3 years, Sacramento has cut annual funding for San Diego City Schools by more than $300 million – nearly a quarter of the District’s operating budget. Innovations too has experienced cuts, last year alone we were cut and deferred by $300,000, that's 1/3 of our operating budget.

This measure will provide $50 million a year for 5 years to help offset those cuts, to relieve severe cuts in academic programs. Charter schools are guaranteed a per year a pro-rata share each year which we estimate will be about $500/student per year.

This is a local measure, passed by local voters. By law, Sacramento can NOT take this funding away.

Voter Information:

• Check your voter status at:
  http://www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/eng/evoter_query.asp
• Register to vote deadline: October 18th:
  https://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/
• Request to Vote by Mail:
  http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/Eabsentee.shtml

API Growth

Innovations Academy is in the top schools in the county for API growth for the 2009/10 school year. See the article in Sign On San Diego (see the chart). While we have our qualms about state testing, we know that assessment is an important measure and wanted to share our improvement.

Family Meals!

Dear Parents,

Chickpeas is so grateful to be able to serve delicious and healthy lunches to your child at Innovations Academy! Our first couple of weeks have been successful due to the participation of the wonderful staff, parents and students at Innovations Academy.

First and foremost, we would like to thank you for your understanding and patience as we introduced our online ordering system. There were unforeseen technical problems and glitches that made online ordering difficult, if not impossible, for periods of time. We apologize for this frustrating experience, and want to thank you all for your patience while the Web team to which we outsource troubleshooted these problems. We are relieved that the problems are now fixed and the site is running properly. Features such as automated order confirmations via e-mail and pricing are now in proper working order.

Another improvement you will see is larger portion sizes for some of the entrees and sides. Based on your valuable feedback, we will increase the standard portion sizes for items such as the French toast and sweet potato fries. For those who desire even bigger portions, our menu allows you to order "double portions," in which you get twice the amount of food for an extra $2.50.

Chickpeas serves healthy lunches throughout San Diego

We are truly excited that you have joined us on our mission to feed growing bodies solid nutrition. We are kicking off the Fall season with many exciting plans in store for you and your children. In mid-October, we will be on campus to bring your children and staff a fun and interactive Nutrition Assembly, presented by Chickpeas owner and dynamic speaker, Julie Frans. The topics covered will include breakfast foods, snacks, drinks and general information about ingredients, and how to make healthier choices. Your child will learn how to become a "label detective," by learning which ingredients are truly healthy and beneficial, and which should be avoided or are misleading. Your child will come away empowered and enlightened about the food and choices they can make that will affect them for their entire lives! Stay tuned for the date, time and more information on the upcoming assembly.

Starting on Monday, September 20th, we will begin offering our delicious and convenient Family Dinners! Please read on for more details.

We look forward to a healthy year together!

Sincerely,
Robbie and Julie, and The Chickpeas Team
619.447.4140

Lunch Program

This year IA has a new lunch program, Chickpeas!

As part of our charter we included nutrition in creating an active and engaged learning environment. We couldn't think of a better way to do this than to offer Chickpeas as a wonderful lunch option.

We'd also like to take the time to remind you to please pack your child with a backpack full of healthy snacks and water! Our kids are active all day long and they need those power snacks to keep them going.

Thanks!