Self-expression, Connection, & Purposeful Learning

Update

2011-06-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

Good Evening Innovations Families,

Tonight’s informational message is long but all the information is very pertinent. It will focus on our last grand Family Night of this school year which takes place this TUESDAY at 5:00 p.m. But first, we have a couple of tidbits of information to round out the year:

• The last Explorations Classes are tomorrow. Please remember to bring any food supplies, and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for PE classes.

• We need a parent volunteer to help with the Kinder and 1st grade art classes from 1 pm to 3pm. It works best for students to have an extra adult.

• Next Monday June 13th from 10 am - 2 pm is IA's 3rd Annual Zany Races and Games. We need at least one parent helper from each class and drivers to transport our children to Allied Gardens Community Park and back. Please contact your child's teacher to let them know how you can help.

• We need parent helpers to prepare for our move to Scripps Ranch. In particular, next Saturday morning June 11th. Skip Glass will lead a group to help get our play bays back to original condition. We'll be tearing down the loft, patching walls and taping in preparation for painting. Please contact Jo Blaine if you can help. joblaine@aol.com
Now for the Family Night Info:

• Family Night is this Tuesday from 5-7. Come join us for dinner served by the 8th grade class as they continue to fundraise to pay off the trip to Sacramento. Pizza and more served for $5 a plate.

• BUS: IMPORTANT & TIME SENSITIVE IA Bus Program information is available on the IA website. Please go to the Community Page for all the details. OPEN REGISTRATION FOR THE BUS PROGRAM WILL END THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2011! Seating is limited and will be assigned first-come, first-served, so don't delay or your child(ren) may not get a seat on the bus!
For parents with additional questions not covered in the online materials, please stop by our BUS FAQ TABLE during our Tuesday Parent Night located in the central courtyard out front. Your Bus Pricing Info Packet will be available there for pick up. Please note that a non-refundable $100 deposit per student rider is REQUIRED by this Friday, June 10, 2011! Don't forget your checkbook so you can be the first to reserve your child's seat! Checks will be held and returned if there is not enough interest to move forward with the Bus Program. You can contact the Bus Program Administrator at IABus@innovationsacademy.org. Thank you.

• Presentations: There will be presentations at 6:30 by students in Hip Hop, Glee, Graphic Arts and more. Your presence is greatly appreciated.

• Lost and Found: Please check the lost and found during family night to claim any of your children's items. All items left over on June 17th will be given to charity.

• Yearbooks for $15 will be on sale at Family Night and at drop off and pick up the rest of the week until our supply runs out. If you haven't purchased one yet, now is the time.

And last, what can you do with your child this week? Come to Family Night. Attending a Family Night shows your children that you care about their education and school. It is a way to find connection with their daily lives. And it is fun, too. Have a nice week.

Update and Next School Year

2011-05-23T18:09:00.001-07:00

Good Evening, Innovations Families,

This is a reminder that we have half days this week, with students getting out at 12:00 and 12:30 Monday through Thursday, following our normal Wednesday schedule. On Friday we have a staff development day and there is NO SCHOOL.

Please be sure to contact your child’s teacher to sign up for an end of the year student led conference. At your conference you will be filling out a re-enrollment or No-Return form for next year. We need this completed by FRIDAY at which time we will be enrolling new students from our lottery. If you need assistance in determining if you will be returning, please feel free to email Christine@innovationsacademy.org

The Big Top Book Fair is taking place all week long. When you come for your conference, please stop in to the downstairs commons room, next to the front office. The teachers have wish list baskets as well. This is the time to stock up on summer reading material. There is quite a selection.

Sometimes it is difficult to find quiet time with our children. This week, pick one day to take a walk. Since the sun is setting later each day now is the time to take an evening and stroll around your neighborhood. I know it doesn't seem like much, but walking is energizing and relaxing at the same time. People are amazed at how much their children will share on a short walk.

Enjoy your week!

Update!

2011-05-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Good Evening, Innovations Families!

1. Book Fair: ‘Carnival Book Fair’ on Monday, May 23rd to Thursday, May 26th from 8am until 2pm. We need volunteers to work the book fair. Contact Donna if interested or sign up at the downstairs common room. There is a website to help you with information and to help you follow the event. Go to:
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/innovationsacademy

2. We are looking for a replacement basketball hoop or some other substitute(such as a badminton net and equipment?). If you have one that you would like to donate, contact Alex who manages the play space for Innovations. Alex@innovationsacademy.org

3. The Innovations Academy Board Meeting is tomorrow, Monday at 6:30 p.m.

4. Website: Innovations is looking for a professional web designer or web design company to do a makeover of the website. If you are that person or have a referral, please contact Christine@innovationsacademy.org

5. The Coffee Connection, will be held as usual, this Wednesday at 9:00. Next week, during our half day week, the Coffee Connection will take place on Monday instead from 9:30-10:30. Please come by to see me.

And last but not least, here is a suggestion of something to do for the week. Have your child pick a new recipe from a recipe book you have around or from any recipe website. Have a meal that you cook together. It can be interesting to improvise as well. Math is a huge part of cooking!

Have a great week.

Update and Facilities Meeting

2011-05-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Good Evening, Innovations Families!

Facilities 2011-12 Meeting: Final facilities information will be given in a meeting to be held this Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. I will be available again at 5:15 for parents that can’t come until later. Please come with any questions and comments and to get information. The meeting will be held upstairs in the 3,4,5 space.

Thank you! A huge thank you to everyone that supported the 8th grade fundraisers. They left for Sacramento on Saturday morning and will be gone all week. Due to their absence, there will be no PIZZA sales this Friday.

Book Fair: Our Scholastic Book Fair is coming soon and will transform the commons room in the K-2 space into our very own book store. There you will find hundreds of books from new and favorite authors, popular series, cool posters, school supplies, and fun for everyone! The Scholastic Book Fair will be here from May 23rd through May 27th during the Student Conferences.
We need Parent and Student volunteers to organize, setup and pack up the book fair in the coming weeks. We will need organizers who can work as a liaison between the chairperson ‘Stacy Pairish’ 3rd grade parent and the students/teachers. We need a few artistic parents who can help the students create some of the artwork for the ‘Circus/Carnival’ themed event. Also, we will use the Explorations Graphic Arts class to create some of the unique pieces for the ‘big top’ A big turnout at this event will make it successful and we can only get the turnout we need if you each choose to participate. If you can , please volunteer to help Stacy on the parent and student crews.. You can contact Stacy through Donna at the front desk.

Reminder: Student Conferences and long weekend: Student Lead Conferences will be held during the week of May 23 and there will be half days every day that week. Please schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. On Friday, May 27th there is no school due to a Staff Collaboration Day.

Have a wonderful week!

Weekly Update

2011-05-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Good Evening, Innovations Families!

- Help the 8^th graders pay for their trip to Sacramento. They are currently selling $3 tickets for their Ipod raffle. Buy a chance to win an Ipod. Purchase tickets in the class, from an 8^th grader or at the front desk.

-Speaking of Sacramento, there has been a last minute issue and we are in urgent need of a chaperone who is willing to drive the trip. You would need to take next week off, drive a mini-van and enjoy a week long vacation. If you know of any responsible, flexible, fun adult that would like to discuss this possibility, please have them contact Lisa Moncrief : Lisa@innovationsacademy.org

-This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Please check the flier that went home this week for what to do. Monday is for food, Tuesday is a flower, Wednesday is school supply, Thursday is a personal card, Friday is a sweet treat or small gift.

- UPS has asked that we not block the curbside areas during pick up times. It's getting to be a safety issue again. We are asking that parents please park and come in for a visit. While you are there see some of your child’s recent work. If for some reason you can’t come in please arrange with your older child to meet you behind the building or in the side lot. But please be safe.

-Students in PE & cross country fitness need to dress appropriately for these classes on Monday. Sneakers and comfy clothes are the requested dress.

-Need Art class parent helpers for May 2nd, 9th, and 16th for the morning: 9:30 - noon and the afternoon 1 -3 pm. Please email michelle@innovationsacademy.org if you can help on any of these days.

Remember how fun field trips were? Well they are not just for school. What field trip could you plan for your family?

Have a great week!!

Positive Discipline Conference in July

2011-05-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is a great conference for both educators and parents!

Update

2011-04-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Good Evening, Innovations Families!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. To all those who celebrate Easter , I hope you enjoyed the holiday. Tonight we have 6 messages.
-If your students have cooking for an Explorations class, please be sure to check with them early in the week for items needed the following Monday.
-Don't forget to wear appropriate shoes and clothing for those students in PE and Cross Country Fitness classes on Mondays.
-Final week for Yearbook sales. The cost is $15. Please bring money to Donna.
-While you are out shopping, if you are able, please pick up an extra roll of paper towels for the school. It can be left at Donna’s desk. Thank you for your support.
-We have begun the state testing and all is going well. The California Department of Education (CDE) created a website to help parents gain a clearer understanding of the STAR Program. The website is located at http://www.starsamplequestions.org/ .
-May 2nd - 6th is Teacher Appreciation Week. Students will be bringing home important information about the activities planned and how families can help celebrate the special teachers we have at Innovations. If you are interested in helping organize this week's activities, please contact Michelle@innovationsacademy.org. A committee has been formed and more help is needed.
What is your child’s absolute most favorite activity? Have you participated in this activity with them lately? Take some time this week to do whatever you can to show your child that they inspire you with their interests and skills.
Have a great week!!

Spring Break Update

2011-04-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Good Evening and Welcome Back from Spring Break!

The reason for this call on a Saturday instead of Sunday is that we have a special need to have some foods brought to school on Monday for the cooking class. Getting the message out today will help you understand the need and respond if you can. A special email and call went out to the families of the students in those classes, too . If you can provide any of these ingredients, please email Michelle@innovationsacademy.org to tell her what you can bring. Here is the list:

* Tomatoes ( Vine ripe or roma or from the garden ~ 6 nice size)
* Tomatoe juice (2 small cans)
* eggplants ( 2 nice size or 4 small)
* Zucchinis ( 2 bags of 5 each)
* Yellow Squash (2 bags of 5 each)
* Onions ( 2 nice size or 4 small one)
* Garlic ( 1 clove)
* Kalamata Olives (1 jar)
* Chicken broth ( 4 cans or 1 plastic container)
* Skinless Chicken tender strips (2 packets of 8 to 10 small chicken tender)
* herbs from Provence 1 jar (mixed herbs of rosemary, thyme, oregano, etc..)
* Olive Oil
* Rainbow Peppercorns (mixed peppercorns)
* Cooked Baby potatoes

Thank you for your help.

Yearbooks are on sale now. Cost is $15 each. Please buy early. Absolute last day to purchase a yearbook is April 29th.

At Parent Night a FACILITIES survey was distributed. I only received 44 surveys so I decided to make an online survey. Please follow this link to respond to our facility survey.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NNKLXYD

The last session of the year of B.B.I.A.(Lego Builders Club) will start on April 20th and end on May 25. It will be a 6 week session and will cost $30 per student. It will continue to run from 12:30 to 2:30 on Wednesdays. The website again is www.bbia.shutterfly.com.

A Science EDUCATION EcoFair will be held on Saturday, April 16th. 10 am - 3 pm, at NU's Spectrum Campus, 9393 Lightwave Ave, SD 92123 (near intersection of Clairemont Mesa Blvd & Ruffin Road). This is an effort by National University to educate and demonstrate concepts about environmental and economic sustainability and stewardship. This year's theme is Save Green by Going Green, which promotes household solutions that are earth-friendly and ultimately wallet-friendly. The Fair will have informational booths and demonstrations from companies, government agencies, NGOs, plus activities for kids and families.
More info: http://www.nu.edu/Calendar/Eco-Fair-2011.html

And finally, I have some thoughts on how to help your children love reading. The most wonderful thing about these ideas are that they are easy. Helping your child be a self motivated learner does not have to be complicated. First you can read to them throughout their lives(even teenagers). Read any and everything: comics, poems, magazine articles, picture books, the news, signs on the road, biographies of people that fascinate you. Second, you can read with them. Take turns reading to each other. And lastly, you can read. If you are reading and excitedly share about the material you have chosen, that excitement and enthusiasm will model for them the benefits of reading.
Thank you for listening. Have a wonderful night.

Update

2011-03-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, Innovations Community! I hope you had a beautiful weekend.

1. Enrichment Classes:
Fencing: First session of fencing is ending but another will begin. Mondays 3:30-4:30, Students in grades 3 and up who would like to join are welcome. Cost $120 for 10 classes from March 28-June 13.
Spanish: After school classes are starting a new session. If interested, see the flier at the front desk. Cost $125 for 8 one hour classes. Tuesdays for K-2 and Thursdays for 3-8.

2. There are two excellent web based resources that Innovations Academy will be using to improve the quality of our program. Both require the use of a FREE gmail account by the student. This message serves as a notice that I have given direction to our teachers to establish gmail accounts with the students in grades 3-8. We will manage these accounts carefully and have access to them for safety. Students will be using the gmail accounts only to access google documents for written work and the Khan Academy for Math/Science skills development. This is a requirement. If you have problems with this, please contact Christine Kuglen Christine@innovationsacademy.org

3. Patty from Canela Photography will be here on Thursday, March 24th to photograph new/absent students. Pictures will be available for review/purchase at the Canela website and Patty will provide the login information after the pictures are uploaded.

4. 7th and 8th graders remember to bring lunch and be warm for your Tuesday fieldtrip to see the Hovercraft. The group is leaving at 9:30 sharp, so please be on time and drivers arrive at 9:00.

5. And finally…some ideas about how you can help your child as they continue on their journey as a life long learner: Help them set one goal at the beginning of the week to be met by Friday. It can be the goal of doing something new: learning something new, saying hi to one new person, finding a new book to read, asking a question aloud or it can be a goal of not doing something; refraining from complaining, hanging up their jacket every day…. Let them choose the goal and follow through on Friday.

Another idea is to find something to do in the car. Those minutes add up and can be fun and productive. How about looking for names of states on license plates? Listening to an audiobook? Learning the lyrics to a song? Finding the alphabet in order on the signs along the road? Most important is to have fun with it.

And for yourself. Look up the movie Race To Nowhere on the internet. You might want to see it.
Enjoy your week! Spring break is coming…

Update

2011-03-15T09:42:00.001-07:00

Hello, Innovations Community! I hope you had a beautiful weekend.

1. Spanish After school classes are starting a new session:
Spanish Kids Beginning A (K-2) Tuesdays 3:15-4:15pm
March 22,29 April 12,19,28 May 3,10,17
$124.80 (minimum 5 students)
Spanish Kids Beginning A (3-8) Thursdays 3:45-4:45
March 22,29 April 12,19,28 May 3,10,17
$124.80 (minimum 5 students)

2. Panda Express will be offered for lunch next Friday instead of Pizza The cost will be approximately $4.50.
3. 4th, 5th and HLC students need to be at school early this Thursday to attend Biztown. Those classes will be leaving campus at 8:45 a.m.
4. Negotiations for a new facility resume this week. I will keep you posted.
5. Our new Explorations classes will be starting next Monday. We will spend this week addressing the concept of treating our guest teachers as we do guests in our home. Please support this conversation by helping your child understand that when they are with guest teachers they are representing themselves and our school.
Thank you for listening and have a great week.

Weekly Update

2011-02-28T16:08:00.000-08:00

Good Evening, Innovations Community! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I appreciate this moment of time to communicate with everyone.

1) Perhaps the most important message this week is about the active role we all can take this Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. I know we all want a school facility for our children where they can have both outdoor and indoor space to learn, live and grow. Innovations Academy is in the middle of negotiations with the district for a facility. They need to hear how important it is to us that our children receive a workable solution RIGHT NOW. Our community can be heard at their board meeting at 5 on Tuesday at the district ed center 4100 Normal St. in North Park. Children are welcome. Fliers went home on Friday and you will receive a reminder phone call and another flier this week. This is where we can stand up as one and be heard.

2) There is a continuing parent class. The next class will take place this Wednesday. See the front office for more information.

3) 7th and 8th graders are building Hovercrafts as part of their Math/Science project. They need drivers for a Field trip on March 8th to see a real hovercraft. Since drivers will need to have military clearance Lisa needs to have the names of drivers so she can get them cleared. Please contact her tomorrow if you can drive.

4) The Last Beach Bums Club fieldtrip needs drivers, too. The field trip to the LJ Children’s pool will be March 4th(this Friday) leaving school at 12:30. Please contact Lisa if you can drive.

5) And finally…some ideas about how you can support your child on their learning journey:
Find one thing to do next weekend that will be interesting and different. Put it on the family calendar; Watch a movie with your child and point out how setting has an effect on the story being told; Read a news article(on paper or the internet) or a magazine article aloud at the dinner table or before going to bed. And most of all, enjoy being with them, speaking with them and learning about them.

Have a wonderful week!

Update for January 19th

2011-01-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Good Evening, Innovations Community! There are 5 messages. But first an apology for having forgotten to send the message over the weekend.

1) There are flyers/info in the office for:
free vision screening on Jan 22nd
free pertussis vaccines being offered every weekend
free dental sealants/floride varnish on Feb 12th

2) An Innovations parent, Sandy Holmes, is offering a Technical Theater Production Workshop for ages 10-16 which will begin on January 20th. The cost is $225.00 and will run through the end of March. The program is in Scripps Ranch and fliers are available at the front desk.

3) Fencing to begin on Jan 24th for 3-6th graders. Get info at the front desk.

4) Friday Clubs started last week. Ask your child about their Friday Club.

5) Remember to send a reusable bottle/cup for water to school. Label it with your child's name.

Have a great week!

News from IA!

2011-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

A message from INNOVATIONS ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Good Evening, Innovations Community!

1) Baby Food Jars: The Kindergarten class needs about 12-15 baby food jars with the labels off for their work. If you have any bring to front desk or K class.
2) This Wednesday is IA Fundraiser Night at Chilis (at the intersection of Mission Gorge and Camino del Rio N.) Families, friends and neighbors can join IA staff at Chili's anytime Wed from 11 am to 9 pm. Get a flier at the front desk.
3) Fencing: If you have a child in the 3rd through the 6th grade, ask them about fencing classes after school on Mondays. We need a minimum of 6 students registered to start the class and we are almost there. Classes will begin on Monday, January 24th. Your child got a flier today.
4) Two programs to help families in need. I hope an Innovations family can benefit from this or can help spread the word to appropriate neighbors and friends
a. Free Computer through the public library( San Diego Public Libraries)
b. REBUILDING TOGETHER SAN DIEGO’S HOME RENOVATION PROGRAM – NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS
Do you know of a community resident who may be in special need of assistance with home repairs?

That's all for tonight. Have a nice night!

Additional info for the week

2011-01-06T12:44:00.001-08:00

Dear IA Families,

We have some additional information for you. Please note the deadlines.

1) Fresh & Easy Grocery Receipts need to be turned in by this Friday Jan 7th. Please put receipts in the box outside Donna's office. WE get $1 for every $20 of groceries purchased.

2) IA Night at Chili's is Wed January 12th from 5pm - 8 pm. Come out and join other IA families and teachers for a fun evening out. Our drama students from last session will perform at 7 pm at Chilis. Our school gets 15% of all proceeds spent that night. Invite family, friends and neighbors. Fliers will go home at the end of this week.

3) Our after school enrichment programs start next week. Fencing for 3rd - 6th graders is offered on Mondays, 10 classes for $120. Registration forms are at the front desk.

For our Kinders - 2nd graders Spanish is offered on Tuesday and Chinese on Thursdays. The cost is $195 for 10 lessons. There is an early registration discount of 20% if you pay by this Friday. Email sd@languagedoor.com or complete the registration form (available at front desk) and payment and leave with Donna to take advantage of this opportunity.

Thanks!

Update for the New Year

2011-01-05T12:14:00.001-08:00

Good Evening, Innovations Community! There are six important information segments.

1) No school tomorrow, Monday but we are so excited to see your children back in full gear on Tuesday!

2) Please help us bring an excellent Science Resource to our school for $3. Every 4th – 8th grader can participate by bringing in to their teacher $3 if you haven’t already done so. Zingy Learning has grade level science programs aligned to California's grade-level content standards and frameworks. A flier will go home this week with detailed information. If you have not paid, and most have not, and you can afford $3, please send it in Tuesday with your child.

3) After School Enrichment Classes are slowly becoming available for your child: Fencing will be held on Mondays for 3rd through 8th graders starting on 1/10, Legos is on Wednesdays for all ages, Language Classes will be available for K-2nd grade students: Spanish starting 1/11 will be held on Tuesdays and Mandarin Chinese on Thursdays starting 1/13 for the young ones. Details and cost of each of these classes on fliers available at the front desk.

4) A Fundraiser is happening on Wednesday, January 12th at Chili’s Restaurant. Mark your calendars and ask your child for the flier or stop by the front desk and ask Donna.

5) Many sweaters and jackets were left around the school. We will be taking all of them to a thrift store or giving them away this Friday. If you are missing any PLEASE stop by our Lost and Found , your child’s classroom and the play bays before Friday to look for them before they are GONE.

6) Don’t forget Pizza and Fruit for lunch this Friday. $3 for one slice, $4 for two.

Welcome back and Happy New Year!!!

The 2011/12 Application Period is Open!

2010-12-31T10:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your interest in our school. Our application period is now open.

We are accepting applications for grades Kindergarten through eighth grade. We will be accepting applications between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2011.

Applications are accepted per a public lottery drawing in April. Check with our front office for the specific date on or after April 1st. All parents will be notified by April 30, 2011 as to their status.

Late applications, received after March 31, 2011, will be considered only after our entire lottery is
exhausted.

You must re-apply every year if your child is not accepted.

Additional Information:

Siblings of currently enrolled students are given priority. An application for siblings is still required.

Kindergarten Applicants must be 5 years of age on or before October 15, 2011.

How to Apply:
1. Fill out an application and send it in.
2. Attend a mandatory information session for enrollment. Information Sessions are scheduled
on the following dates:

January 25(Tuesday) 6:00 p.m.
February 16(Wednesday) 6:30 p.m.
March 19(Saturday) 10:00 a.m.

Quick Information about Innovations Academy:

Current Enrollment: 253
Programs: 5 day attendance, 3 day attendance and 2 day attendance
Teaching Methodology: Student Centered Project Based Learning, Differentiated Instruction, and our Explorations Program.
Grade Levels: K-8th grade
Academic Year Type: Traditional
Student Teacher Ratio: Maximum 25:1
Before/After School Care Available: Yes, for a fee, from 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE -- We're a public charter school.

Weekly Update

2010-12-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

Good Evening, Innovations Community!

1)The Holiday break is coming and I would like to encourage you to find a good read aloud book and set the goal of reading every day aloud to your children. Hearing stories read aloud is important for all age levels, including our eighth graders. Don’t let your children miss out.

2) This is the last week for DeeDee’s class to accept non-perishable food donations for Feeding America-San Diego. Contribute to their service learning project by bringing in a non perishable food.

3) Did you know that tomorrow, Monday, Dec 13th, there will be a Groupon for Donorschoose.org. For $10, you can give $25 worth of donations. If you do groupons, we would appreciate the donation. We currently have at least one teacher with a donorschoose request.

See his request here:
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=447739&verify=1256076429

4) Monday is our fundraising night at Fresh and Easy. Staff from Innovations will be bagging groceries. Stop in and visit them. Do your grocery shopping for the week tomorrow at Fresh and Easy in North Park.

5) Monday is busy. Our December board meeting is held at 6:30 upstairs in Tony’s room.

4) This Friday is Pizza Friday. $3 for one slice and $4 for two slices. This includes fruit and water. Support our 8th grade and get a nice hot lunch.

Fresh & Easy Fundraiser

2010-12-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

Monday evening December 13th is IA Night at the "Fresh & Easy" Grocery store at 32nd and University--It's a beautiful brand new store. From 4 - 8 pm, IA is hosting shoppers at the store. We are asking all families to come and shop on Dec 13th from 4 - 8 pm as IA gets 5% of the total sales generated during this time frame. Ask your friends and neighbors to shop at this time as well-- it's all money for our school! When you come to shop, make sure you check in with our parent volunteers as we will offer a party to the class with the most participation in this event.

We need parent volunteers for the night to help greet, bag groceries and hand out free samples. We have 20 one hour shifts available. Please call Michelle Anderson at 951-541-4664 or Tami Hermann at 619-246-4395 and let us know when you can help, or email Michelle at michelle@innovationsacademy.org. Kids are welcome to work along side their parents. This is a great way to meet other families from IA.

Thanks for helping. See you Monday evening as we shop to raise money for IA!

Explorations Program

2010-12-04T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Explorations Edition of Highlights is here! Learn all about our Explorations Program, just one part of what makes IA stand out.

If you know of any businesses that would like to sponsor the program and make a year end donation please see our Facebook Causes page!

Changing Education Paradigms

2010-11-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a great video from the RSA where Sir Ken Robinson talks about Changing Education Paradigms.

What are your thoughts on this video?

Innovations Extended Care Info

2010-10-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

We often get the question, "Do you offer before and after care?"

Yes! Innovations Extended Care Program is dedicated to creating a fun and creative environment that will inspire students to learn new skills, make new friends, and enjoy being a kid! For more information download our Extended Care Handbook.

A few facts about Extended Care:
1. Before care begins at 7:00am and ends at 6:00pm.
2. Student/Staff ratio of 20:1.
3. Use of Positive Behavior Management just like during the school day.
4. Reasonable pricing at $5/hr. See attached doc for pricing, drop ins are allowed. We would love to be able to offer the Innovations Extended Care program for free. If any parents would like to work on getting grants to sustain this program, please contact the Director.

Please contact Donna in the main office for more information.

Thank you to Solar!

2010-10-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Here is an article about the Extreme School Makeover and the help that Solar provided us with.

~~

Volunteering article – “The Season of Giving”

As the season of giving comes just around the corner, the spirit of giving at Solar is in full force.

On Saturday, October 9, a team of 45 Solar employees took San Diego’s Innovations Academy by storm in an “Extreme School Makeover” project, in conjunction with Volunteer San Diego’s Serve-a-thon. Volunteers transformed two empty, industrial spaces into fun and inviting playrooms by painting murals, constructing planter boxes, building walls and working on an indoor tree house.

“Charter schools are not given facilities, so we are located in a business park with no outdoor play space and are using these industrial bays as our play area,” said Christine Kuglen, Founder and Director of Innovations Academy. “It’s difficult to find the time and money to do what we want to do so that the kids feel like they have a great area to play in, so we are very appreciative for the Serve-a-thon and volunteers coming in to create a beautiful space that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Pedro Ruiz, a second shift painter in the industrial coatings 149 division, brought his family in to help with his assigned project – a mural of San Diego’s skyline. “We thought it was a great opportunity to get involved and help teach our kids the value of giving back,” said Pedro.

Charter Informational Events

2010-10-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

The first event is a Charter Candidate Forum at Gompers Preparatory Academy, Wednesday, Oct. 13^th from 6-8. All the school board candidates who are up for election will be in attendance. The event is co-sponsored by GPA and CCSA and being moderated by the League of Women Voters. Learn more about board candidates by attending this event.

The second event is the Charter Townhall Meeting being held on Monday, October 18^th at Darnall Charter School from 6:30 to 8pm. Board President Barrea and some charter leaders will discuss the budget situation and share information on Prop. J. Come learn about Prop J!

Learn about Prop J

2010-09-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

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!

Pack a Zero Trash Lunch

2010-08-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

We know first hand from last year (since staff took out the trash) that our kids create lots of waste. The average student creates 67lbs of trash each school year. You can help bring this number way down (helping the environment and the staff) by packing a zero waste lunch.

One way that you can do that is to look at the Green to Go products. They came to our school last year and were very popular. They will be back on August 30th at our orientation. But, you can order now if you'd like.

For more info on packing a trashless lunch, watch the video:

For more info on our hot lunch program, Chickpeas, see here.

eScrip and IA

2010-08-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Can you believe the summer is coming to a close in just a few weeks?

Back to school shopping time is here. Sign up with eScrip to help support your school! They're doing a huge promotion from August 11 - September 14th, so sign up now to get some great deals and contribute to IA.

Education Conservator

2010-08-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

IA is kicking off a great new fundraising program, read below or click here.

Innovations’ Education Conservators preserve and invest in our Clubs, the Arts, Media, Physical Education, and Science curriculum that provide our students with learning opportunities that have been undervalued and dissolved from public and even private schools. Our goal for the 2010/11 school year is to have 100 Education Conservators join us in contributing to this program.

Innovations Academy, a free K - 8 public charter school, creates happy and vibrant learners. Our students know the joy of making a contribution in their classroom: 5th graders learned about geometry through building a play house for their younger peers, 3rd graders understood economics through opening a school store, and 4th graders contributed to developing nations through micro- financing. By engaging students in real world projects and opportunities, we develop well rounded, collaboratively minded, and creative problem solving members of society.

Click here to become an Education Conservator!

It's official!

2010-07-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

IA has a new home:

6154 Mission Gorge Road, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92120

Remember, school starts Wednesday, September 1st!

Summer Time Outcomes

2010-06-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to share a piece that I wrote for the 8th grade commencement:

Unexpected Outcomes

As some of you may know, I love a good quote. They keep me grounded and give me perspective whenever I get caught up in the thoroughfare of day to day life.

When I thought of our community, a Buckminster Fuller quote popped out at me, “There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes.”

There are many times in life when we hope for a certain conclusion. We build up expectations, sometimes only to find that a situation, a feeling, or a thought has changed. If we can keep open to changes, new perspectives, and these unexpected outcomes, we can view life as a place where we’re always growing.

Our 8th grade class has been a grand experiment. Many of these students have come to Innovations from well established schools. Places that have janitors, typical report cards, traditional parent/teacher conferences, principals with normal hair, and even a cafeteria. However, you all, students, families, and teachers, being explorers...were looking for something different, you were willing to experiment.

These young explorers have created classroom rules, faced their peers in class council, greeted each other daily in Morning Meeting, come to me when they are not satisfied with the way they have handled a situation, developed strong friendships, challenged their teachers in positive ways, and have made our community bigger and brighter for every twist and turn.

We’ve come here with a mission, to live powerful lives through self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. I see them being self-expressed when they come in wearing colorful makeup, bright hair do’s, wearing Rastafarian hats, and speaking their minds on today’s issues. They compassionately connect with each other when they make mistakes and can hear each other without blame or guilt. Solar ovens, the Sacramento Trip, Roller Coaster physics, and analyzing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, are just some examples of purposeful learning. I’ve seen the parents living our mission as well, when they come in and contribute to our community and voice their thoughts even when they are nervous.

For me, the mission of IA has been an experiment and the students especially have surpassed what I thought a public school could look like. I know that your future has many beautiful adventures ahead. Bring that sense of self that you have graciously shown us here to your future high school and other endeavors.

I wish you all the best to come and many unexpected outcomes.

~~~

Summer can be a time of many unexpected outcomes, families move, new teachers are hired, friendships change, etc. Here is what is coming up in the week that follows:

Tomorrow, Thursday (6/24), we are finishing up packing our facility at 123 Camino de la Reina. Please drop by and lend a hand if you can from 10am - 3pm.
By the end of next week we expect to have signed a lease with 6154 Mission Gorge Road (stay tuned for a long post about the expectations for the site).
We're hiring on two 6th grade teachers and one additional K teacher (all other teacher assignments will remain the same).
We have a new K - 2 Home Learning Community class starting in addition to our 2 - 6th grade program.
Our classes are almost full for next year. We have a few spots left in 6th grade and in our Home Learning Community

I have heard from some community members that there is fear about Innovations Academy remaining open. One of my favorite quotes about fear comes from Neale Donald Walsch:

FEAR is an acronym in the English language for "False Evidence Appearing Real"

As you can see from everything that is happening above, we're strongly open (and if we thought we'd be closing, you'd better bet there would be a blast). Surely there will be some unexpected outcomes, there always are in life. However, if you have a question about what is going on at Innovations (or hear things through the grapevine, or that ol' game of telephone) please speak with a staff member as they will have the best information to inform you with.

Thank you,

Danielle

Article in Union Trib.

2010-05-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Charters have made incredible progress in the communities they serve by providing choice to families and raising student achievement. There are many unique charter programs in San Diego County, including project-based learning, dual language immersion and personalized learning options for families to choose from. Academic achievement and college and career preparedness are common goals in charter schools; many are exceeding expectations. The way I see it, in the 21st century’s ever-changing and highly competitive world, our students require an education that is bold and breaks the mold, bringing creativity and passion for learning that goes beyond the classroom.

Article here.

Enjoy,

Danielle

Care to Share?

2010-05-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

There is a contest going on right now for some of the best schools around. We think IA is wonderful and we know others do too:

http://www.care2.com/schoolcontest/6247/90/supporters

"We are deeply happy with I.A.This is our 1st year with IA, after years of just trying to cope with the public school system, we never had a weeknight evening that wasn't full of stress from 2 hours of homework, it would leave us no family time. We are BLESSED to have found IA and their project based learning. I also appreciate that you believe in fostering a positive home life with minimal to NO homework! Our daughter is in 5th grade, and next year, our son will be joining the kinder class. Thanks Danielle and Christine and Bill for the great communication with your students! I couldn't thank you enough." - Finnegan Family

"I am absolutely in love with Innovations Academy. My daughter, Cloe, is in the second grade, and I have watched her confidence and excitement about school grow with every day that passes. The project-based learning has expanded Cloe's concept of learning so even though she doesn't have specific homework, she talks about what she has learned in class and applies it at home and outside the classroom. We are actually engaged in the learning process more constructively and more thoroughly than when she had specific homework assignments." - Maland Family

Guest Performer at IA

2010-04-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Pablo Sainz Villegas visited IA on Tuesday. He was a fantastic performer and teacher. Our children learned about classical guitar music mixed in with some history and geography. Thank you Pablo!

Entrepreneurial Kids

2010-04-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

Awesome videos on how we would do our kids a service by teaching them to be entrepreneurs instead of worker bees.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCar_sFfEf4

~Danielle

Voice of SD Article

2010-04-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

The article:

Setting the rules is part of schoolwork at Innovations Academy, an unconventional K-8 charter school with roughly 200 students that practices what it calls "positive discipline." Children handle disputes together instead of running to the principal. They create rules adults might not agree with. The idea is children will become more independent, cooperative and thoughtful instead of merely compliant, learning the how and why of following the rules.

A parent write up is here as well.

Enjoy,

Danielle

What makes a great teacher?

2010-03-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

At IA we're constantly inquiring into our practice. What's working for our students and families? What's working for our teachers? How can we make this more engaging? What are we missing?

It appears that this type of inquiry is one trait of a great teacher as reported in "The Atlantic." Over the last month, myself and Christine have read some great articles espousing the greatness of what our teachers are already doing: building relationships with students, reflecting on their work, endless planning and reworking, etc.

What's humorous to us is that even some district officials are coming out and talking about relationship based classrooms and more positive discipline...so where's the implementation? We know that it has to come from top down and it's going to be very difficult to implement reflection and personal freedom when a system is built on a dominating hierarchy.

They'll have to come visit IA and start training with us.

The excerpt below from The Atlantic is a slice of how our teachers and staff operate:

[G]reat teachers tended to set big goals for their students. They were also perpetually looking for ways to improve their effectiveness. For example, when Farr called up teachers who were making remarkable gains and asked to visit their classrooms, he noticed he’d get a similar response from all of them: “They’d say, ‘You’re welcome to come, but I have to warn you—I am in the middle of just blowing up my classroom structure and changing my reading workshop because I think it’s not working as well as it could.’ When you hear that over and over, and you don’t hear that from other teachers, you start to form a hypothesis.” Great teachers, he concluded, constantly reevaluate what they are doing.
Superstar teachers had four other tendencies in common: they avidly recruited students and their families into the process; they maintained focus, ensuring that everything they did contributed to student learning; they planned exhaustively and purposefully—for the next day or the year ahead—by working backward from the desired outcome; and they worked relentlessly, refusing to surrender to the combined menaces of poverty, bureaucracy, and budgetary shortfalls.

We'd love to hear from you in the comment section. What do you think makes a great teacher?

Raffle this Thursday!

2010-03-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

Hello IA Families,

Thursday is Family Night and we're having a big raffle. Buy tickets this week with Donna or Karrlie and possibly win one of the prizes below on Thursday:

And more!

Another Great Video: Capable Kids

2010-03-07T20:47:00.001-08:00

http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge.html

Excellent Video: Pediatric Neurologist gives his take on education

2010-03-07T20:19:00.001-08:00

While we don't identify as Montessori, what he's discussing here rings true for IA.

Nurturing Empathy

2010-02-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

The capacity for empathy seems to be innate, but parents can encourage it in children by teaching them to relate positively to others and by modeling it themselves.

Playing to Learn

2010-02-04T17:30:00.001-08:00

Here is a great piece that speaks volumes to what we're doing at IA:

In our theoretical classroom, children would also spend a short period of time each day practicing computation — adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Once children are proficient in those basics they would be free to turn to other activities that are equally essential for math and science: devising original experiments, observing the natural world and counting things, whether they be words, events or people. These are all activities children naturally love, if given a chance to do them in a genuine way.

What they shouldn’t do is spend tedious hours learning isolated mathematical formulas or memorizing sheets of science facts that are unlikely to matter much in the long run. Scientists know that children learn best by putting experiences together in new ways. They construct knowledge; they don’t swallow it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/02/opinion/02engel.html

School Closure

2010-01-21T12:55:00.001-08:00

Hello IA Families,

Though we are safe and sound here at Innovations. We are encouraging parents to pick up their children early as the flood waters are rising at the river and we fear that traffic conditions will only worsen after 3:30 as the storm picks up. Additionally there are very few children at school today. Please come to get your child early.

If you are in the Extended Care program and cannot pick up your child by 3:30pm please call Donna at the front desk, 619-501-6327.

Additionally, tomorrow we are closing school as it does not look like the already flooded areas will get any better until after the weekend. All school activities will resume on Monday.

Thank you,

Danielle

Rain or Shine?

2010-01-20T17:51:00.001-08:00

We are due for a lot of rain tomorrow and Friday. Though we know that this area is prone to flooding we are not canceling school just yet. We have heard conflicting reports that the morning may be dry making it possible to commute to school. That said, if conditions get worse over night we will do another phone blast at 6am tomorrow morning to cancel school (and all school related activities) and we will also put it on our website. Assuming that we have school tomorrow, please be prepared in the event that we need to shut down early which would mean an early pick up.

Remember to drive with your lights on, slowly, and cautiously. It will be wild out there! Be safe.

Free Workshops in San Diego

2010-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

We'll be doing some training with Dr. Katz later this month. We really love what his business does and also love that they give free talks! They focus on learning disabilities and child psychology.

http://learningdevelopmentservices.com/

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a couple pics from year end

An 8th grader reading to a Kinder student

Our chorus kids getting ready to liven up the Barnes and Nobles!

Why we don't use textbooks

2009-12-31T13:40:00.000-08:00

This article from Edutopia is a great read for those interested in knowing more about why we don't use textbooks as a mainstay of our curriculum.

http://www.edutopia.org/muddle-machine#

Happy reading.

New Year ReCap

2009-12-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Innovations Academy!

It’s been an amazing journey together in 2009, and thanks to your involvement, commitment, and support, our community is growing every month with new students and families. In January we’ll be welcoming even more new community members. Thank you for spreading the news that you and your child love your school.

Accomplishments of 2009:

1. Student & Family Satisfaction is at an all time high as noted by our low transfer rate (any transfers are predominantly because of relocation), regular feedback that we receive from families about the changes that our community has made in their individual lives, and continued enrollment throughout the year.

2. Securing a facility for the 2009/10 school year on short notice.

3. Enrolling 35 new students and families since September (which is phenomenal considering that enrolling new students during the school year rarely happens. Families love our program and are looking for something different).

4. Getting media coverage through our School Choice Fun Fair to bring the charter community and families together (we’re looking to do another one in March).

5. Finding and implementing programs that embody our school’s philosophy such as Responsive Classroom Techniques and a structure to encourage inquiry based Project Based Learning.

Plans for 2010

As we look forward to 2010 we have 3 main goals: get our classes tech saturated, solidify our M.A.P.S program, and reach full enrollment with a healthy waiting list.

For 2010 we’re increasing our technology component. We have found a vendor who offers extremely good laptop prices that we may be able to offer to our families. We’re looking at acquiring 100 laptops predominantly to be placed in the 4th – 8th grade classrooms. Bringing in this technology will enable these classrooms to get high tech and bring Project Based Learning to a new level.

For our M.A.P.S (Media, the Arts, PE, and Science) program we are excited to have the Junior Achievement Program (teaching hands on fiscal responsibility and entrepreneurship) and Edudance (teaching ballroom dance to our middle schoolers) join us. We are very excited to collaborate with these organizations as well as others to bring sustainable programming every year as well as to make our program standout.

Enrollment is also starting for the 2010/11 school year. Please tell your friends now so that they do not miss out on our program next year.

Your Support

As the year closes you can help support our 2010 plans by making a tax deductible donation to Innovations Academy today through our website at http://innovationsacademy.org/donate.php or you can send us a check to our school address (123 Camino de la Reina, Suite 100 East, San Diego, CA).

We ask that you please consider making a tax deductible donation (though we do not yet have our non-profit status we have a determination letter from our lawyers stating that any donations made today will retroactively be covered when our non-profit status is finalized) as you consider your year end fiscal planning. Please remember that many employers give matching donations.

We’re currently looking to raise the following:

1. $7,000 for Laptop computers (this grants us 100 laptops with a lifetime warranty)

2. $10,000 for our MAPS program from now until the end of school.

When making a donation you can clarify where you would like your contributions to go in the check register or through the Paypal message box. If you’d like to make a donation towards general operations you may do so as well.

We understand that 2009 was a tough year financially for many, and we also appreciate contributions of time through volunteerism, donated materials, outreach by encouraging your friends to enroll, and connecting us with businesses or partnerships that can support us in the future.

Thank you for making 2009 a successful and fulfilling year,

Innovations Academy Staff

Hedge Funds Supporting Charter Schools

2009-12-16T14:32:00.001-08:00

Here's an interesting article on how Hedge Funds are supporting Charter Schools.

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/hedge-funds-scholarly-investments/

Enjoy,

Danielle

Updates for the week of December 14

2009-12-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

All School Updates:

1. This is the last week before Winter Break. Remember, Innovations is closed from December 21 through January 4th.

2. Barnes and Nobles at Hazard Center is supporting IA this week. Please pick up a voucher from school and Barnes and Nobles will donate some of the proceeds to IA. Books make great gifts and you can support your school.

3. Starting this week Coffee Connection, a place to come chat with Danielle & Christine as well as other parents, will take place on Thursday at 9am.

4. Edudance update - Since Friday we have collected $210 for the Edudance program for our 7th & 8th grade students. We have $570 left to go. You can donate directly on our website or write a check to Innovations Academy. If every child brought in $3.50 (the cost of a lunch) we would have enough to support this amazing program that our students really want. We'd like to make Edudance a program that comes year after year as part of our MAPS program. Please help to bring them in now while we look for sponsors and grants to support the program for the future.

5. IA will hold its monthly Board Meeting on Monday at 6pm. All are welcome.

Classroom Specific Updates:

1. On December 14th - DeeDee's class will take a field trip to the Children's museum it is $5 per child. If you'd like to chaperon please speak with DeeDee.

Thanks for reading,

Danielle

CSA at IA

2009-12-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Parents.

Finally !!!!! Fresh local organic produce coming to our school. We are excited!

Garden of Eden Organics CSA is coming to our school starting January 2010.

What is a CSA?

This is a great way for you and your family to work directly with local farmers. By becoming a member you will receive a box of fresh picked local organic fruit and veggies delivered to our school every week.
CSA's are a great way to promote health, support the environment and save time and money. All while supporting your local farmer.

Here's what needs to happen:

We need a minimum of 30 families to pledge to get the program started. Spread the word to your family and friends as well.

This a great gift of health too if you would like a unique holiday present.

Check out their website for more details and sign up today. www.goeorganics.com

Important Dates!

2009-11-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight - 6:30 - 7:30pm - New Student Open house - Curious about IA? Come explore our school and get your questions answered.

Wednesday - NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day

Thursday - 5pm - 7pm - Family Night - "Me Project Showcase" 5pm dinner, 6pm presentations

Sunday - 10am - 4pm - School Choice Fun Fair - Come play with us at the fair! We'll have a bounce house, arts and crafts, performers, and booths about charter schools in San Diego.

*all events take place at our school site.

School Update for the week of Nov 2

2009-11-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hello IA Families,

I'm starting a new structure for these write ups: important info, then reminders, then classroom specific info.

Important Info:

1. IA needs 60 new students and we need your help. If we don't get these 60 students by the end of December we will be faced with program and personnel cuts. Have your friends' children shadow any day of the week. 99% of those who shadow, enroll at IA. You can also help by putting fliers out around your community and asking to make an announcement at community events. Grocery stores, coffee shops, and health offices are our friends. Get the word out. If you have a website please put a link to our school.

2. IA is hosting a School Choice Fun Fair. We know that people ask, "What's a charter school? How much does it cost? Isn't that an 'alternative' school?" Charters equal choice. The fair takes place on Sunday, Nov 15 from 10am - 4pm in our parking lot. High Tech High, Keiller Leadership Academy, ourselves, and Pacific American are confirmed for attendance. We'll also have a bounce house, craft booths, performers, and activities. Entrance is free though some booths may be selling items. If you'd like to help with this event contact iaparents@innovationsacademy.org or go to our volunteer page on the website (http://innovationsacademy.org/volunteer.php).

3. Family conferences are this Wednesday. Please schedule a time to meet with your teacher.

Reminders:

1. Coffee Connection is this Thursday from 8:30 - 9:30am. This is a great place to chit chat as well as to bring your friends who have questions about IA.

2. IA Board Meeting is tomorrow at 6pm. We're still looking for members with specialties in special education, law, and facilities.

Classroom Needs:

1. Justin and Karrlie's classes are collecting canned goods and blankets for the homeless. Please drop off items at their rooms.

2. Reading Buddies. Be a buddy and read to a child at IA. Reading to children increases literacy. There are times to read during and after school hours. This is a great way to volunteer and make a big difference with our kids. Contact Danielle if you're interested in being a Reading Buddy.

3. Have you noticed how nice lighting at home affects your mood? It's clear that classrooms that have lamps promote a more calm and focused atmosphere, rather than the intense fluorescent lights. If you have a spare lamp or would like to purchase one for your child's classroom please drop it with your teacher!

4. Do you own or manage a business? IA knows that the fiscal year is almost over and businesses may be looking to donate computers, printers, old furniture, etc. If you're work place is looking to donate, contact us for the tax write off!

Thanks for listening,

Danielle

Songs to inspire

2009-10-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

This song, particularly the lyrics below, make me think of our kids. Enjoy!

Upside Down by Jack Johnson

Who's to say
What's impossible
Well they forgot
This world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything
And as the surface breaks reflections fade
But in some ways they remain the same
And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There's no stopping curiosity

Our Mission...not just for the kids.

2009-10-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Though there are many other things I could be focusing on right now, I was dropped a ray of sunshine by a couple of our parents today.

I've always told people that our mission, "to powerfully create our lives," is not just for the kids. It's about everyone here, the kids, the moms, the dads, the teachers, ourselves, everyone. I've had some parents taken aback by that, "Oh, I never thought of it that way," they say.

One of our moms wrote to me today to say that she is thrilled that her son has gone from being the type of kid who would never ever talk about school, to the young man who now talks about going to college. He's having breakthroughs right and left this year. I can clearly see him fulfilling on our mission, he's powerfully creating his life...a new one envisioned for him.

Another mom, a prolific blogger, wrote, "While the journey is about my son, and I definitely don't lose sight of that, it is also about a very confused woman who is still finding her way, one delicate step at a time. In the nurturing environment I find at Innovations Academy, I have been given the gift of friendship, acceptance, respect and love. There is no price tag, no expectation, other than to show up and join in. What a miraculous place to be." She too is powerfully creating this year.

It's amazing to watch these changes before my eyes. Continue to shine on, our IA community, shine on.

Danielle

Updates for Innovations

2009-10-26T19:02:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm sorry it's been so long since this has been updated. There has been a lot going on with the beginning of the school year.

For all of you blog lovers out there, I introduce to you: http://iahighlightssandiego.blogspot.com/

This is a blog maintained by one of our lovely parents who is on a mission to keep everyone in the loop. Please see her blog for updates as well as some interesting tidbits.

One great purpose for this blog can be to answer parent questions. If you have questions that you think other IAers would be interested in, please email me!

Thanks,

Danielle

IA's First Parent Night of the New School Year

2009-09-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Future Parent Meetings

· Our first parent meeting was held on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009. The meeting area was packed, so next time 1/2 of the parent group will meet with teachers while the other parent group meets with administrators and then the two groups will switch.

Be a Good Neighbor

· Parking in IA or blank spots ONLY! After 6 p.m., and on weekends, you can park anywhere.

Drop-Off and Pick-up

· Drop-off begins 15 minutes before class. If you arrive earlier than that, you will need to pay for before-school care. Pick-up begins at the END of school. If you arrive early, we will ask you to park.

· The only exception includes siblings in upper and lower grades, who need to be in before or after care, until their class starts or gets out..

Lunch

· Bring a bag lunch.

· We have microwave ovens in the classrooms.

· You may purchase lunches Monday-Friday (except Wed.) See Donna in the reception area for details and to place orders.

Needs of Innovations Academy

· More Students! All classes have openings (except kindergarten)! As much as we love the small class size, unless we get a big donor we need more students to bring class sizes to around 20 students.

· Handy parents. There may be work left from the weekend. Check with Donna to see if there are any more projects that need to be completed. at the school.

Info

· Blogging-Teachers blog each week on the IA website. They will let you know which day.

· Tuesday, September 22, is Family Game Night at the school. It will be $1/per person and you will go home with a free game of Bingo. A variety of games are available to play for free or as little as 25 cents a play. If you’d like to help, please email Amy@InnovationsAcademy.org

First Week, Fall 2009

2009-09-11T17:34:00.001-07:00

Congrats on a great first week everyone! IA has been full of smiles, fun, and engagement. I've seen students busy at creating fountains, measuring themselves, learning math drills through outdoor games, writing, eating lunch, making new friends, and enjoying their new environment at IA.

I've spoken with many parents this week who are more than happy with their first week at IA and are looking forward to the continued building of our community.

Next week we'll start again on Monday with those happy faces and warm reception. We're all very excited.

Have a great weekend,

Danielle

p.s. DeeDee's (our K teacher) class has set up a Donors Choose Page

Focus for the 2009/10 School Year

2009-08-04T18:40:00.001-07:00

Today I got an email from a parent and in it they pointed out an area where we're not fulfilling on our petition. That said, it would be miraculous for us to fulfill on our entire charter in even two years (this is why the district gives 5 years to get everything rolling before the big review). However, that's where you all can support this mission!

To recap a bit of last year, it was all about being a new start up non-profit (learning budgeting, billing, payroll, insurance, legal, etc.), establishing school culture and building relationships. We hit the ground running really really cold and learned a lot about what worked for our community as well as what didn't. We went through a lot of trial and error, and I thank you all (including our staff) for supporting us along the way. There were some great highs in between all the waves.

This year we have zoned in on focuses that involve developing highly vibrant and interesting student and teacher led projects. Our teachers have enriched themselves in more training over the summer in how to address rigorous projects. For me, this article on constructivism says it all:

[T]he more important point, I believe, is the idea that the actions which we develop for our audience engage the mind as well as the hand. Not all experiences are educative, as Dewey pointed out in Experience and Education. This does not mean that they necessarily have to be complex---but they do need to allow the participants to think as they act...Physical involvement is a necessary condition for learning for children, and highly desirable for adults in many situations, but it is not sufficient. All hands-on activities must also pass the test of being minds-on---they must provide something to think about as well as something to touch.

I really enjoy how the author uses "Minds-on"...I'll be looking for that in our classes this year. One way that this will be able to be seen more is through assessment. Last year, overall, we were not successful at implementing the reflection and assessment piece of projects. This year our focus is to develop our students' abilities to set goals and self assess as well as learn effective peer critiquing. We'll do this by modeling critiquing, build rubrics for projects, and guiding our student in assessing themselves.

Another thing that goes hand-in-hand with maintaining these projects is building a class environment that is safe for opinions and sharing. Our social emotional program will use Positive Discipline techniques, such as Morning Meetings, and methods from the book "The First 6 Weeks of School" to make this environment flourish.

Additionally, our Math and Language Arts skills programs are moving away from textbooks and incorporating more real world problem solving and hands on learning. By the end of the year many of our teachers were seeing that our students needed more of these skills that the Direct Instruction program was not incorporating.

Lastly, we're focusing on Parent Involvement. We know that to make a community really strong it takes dedicated individuals to lend a hand, or two, or three, or however many you've got! We'll be starting out with our Monthly Parent meetings as well as asking parents to volunteer their time or expertise to our community. Already we've had parents coming forward to help with the move, I've gotten one contact for a grant volunteer, and another parent interested in keeping up with a school newsletter. Please write to me with your contributions, I'd love to showcase them here.

I'm very excited for all these evolutions.

Danielle

Looking for a volunteer!

2009-08-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

I've got a great opportunity for anyone who would like to uphold their Parent Pledge to volunteer but doesn't have the flexibility to come into school, grant volunteers.

When Christine and I were writing the charter petition we wrote a few grants to support the process over the course of 2 years. Luckily we had people to point us to grants that were applicable to us.

Now, as directors of the school it has become increasingly difficult to sift for grants. There are so many out there that it's actually overwhelming. Comparative with going to a restaurant and having too much on the menu. What we need is a go getter who is ready to jump in and find us some grants that are applicable to our programs.

Ideas to get you started would be to look for:
K- 8 grants
Social Emotional Curriculum grants
Reading program/therapy grants
Project Based Learning Grants
Service Learning Grants

I have a few resources that would be helpful to any grant volunteers including a newsletter with biweekly grant opportunities.

Grants are extremely important to schools, not only as additional capital and financial support for programs, they also often encourage partnership and collaboration with other organizations.

If you're looking for a creative way to really support IA, you're web savvy (effectively searching on Google is easy for you), and are interested in working closely with the admin team, this is it!

Please contact me when you'd like to get started, we can certainly have a team on this.

Danielle

New Homeschool Program

2009-07-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in a new independent study program just for homeschoolers in grades 3-8? IA has created a new community for homeschool families who want to engage in project based learning in a self contained classroom two days per week.

Amy Mulert, a credentialed teacher, and Roekmini Pullom, IA homeschool mom extroardinaire, work with homeschool learners to design their own learning plans, coordinate fieldtrips, and create fun group-learning activities.

This program is perfect for self motivated & independent learners with parents who want to explore project based learning as a community as well as at home.

Amy and Roekmini will be available to speak with you at all the registration sessions starting tomorrow (see our calendar). Additionally on Monday at 4pm they are holding an informational session to all interested families at the school site.

Parent Questions

2009-07-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Parent Question: I wanted to double check on the teacher/student ratio for next year. It's my understanding that IA is not expanding the class sizes and the ratio will remain at 20:1. Is that correct?

Answer: The student teacher ratio for next year will be approximately the same at 20:1. We've had a couple classes where, just due to how we had combo classes and two kinders last year, there may be a couple extra kids. This may go back down because of families that are not able to come to Mission Valley.

Parent Question: Also, I wanted to know if there will still be aides in the classroom or if you've have to let go of the aides due to budget constraints.

Answer: We're still working on aides for the classrooms. What we'd really like to see here is more parent participation for those who can make it in during the day. We have a few thoughts about having some rotating aides so that if a classroom needs assistance then someone would be available. What we found last year was that not all the classes needed an aide every day.

Parent Question: One more thing, it would be nice if we could have a meeting to discuss how the new location and budget constraints will affects the programs at IA. For example, how will PE be provided now, what type of partnership programs will be available, etc. I'm curious to know if Playwell Technologies and Mad Science will be returning. If not, what programs will be put in their place? These are some of the things I'm wondering about for next year and I think some of the other families might benefit from knowing as well.

Answer: As for budget, we're still waiting to hear from our back office manager about that. Like all public schools our numbers will be lower for next year but we're still waiting to hear exactly how much we're being cut. At worst it's looking like a cut of $700 per student.

As for the site, there are a lot of community resources in the area that we'll be tapping into. There's a YMCA, a golf course, and walking trails that we know of around the area. Additionally, we're in the same building as Cloud 9 shuttles, so we're looking into partnering with them for transportation.

We do have some outside space, it's not a ton but it's certainly workable. As for PE, Michelle is securing PE partnerships that can work both indoors and outdoors. Some of these include yoga/stretching, conditioning, hiking, obstacle course, and PE games. Possibly golf for older kids. Legos with Playwell tek and Mad Science are too expensive. If you know of any companies that might like to sponsor these programs let us know. Michelle is trying to have a Legos employee do some outside consulting for us. Mad Science we may contract with during Project time and share it between different classes once a quarter. The enrichment that Michelle is most excited by right now is puppetry, singing, photography, film, art, and computer technology.

If you have more questions, send them our way!

Danielle

On the 2009/10 School Year

2009-07-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Christine, our Staff Director, posts about developments for next year. She's currently in Costa Rica getting in some good reflection time on last year. She wrote the following to a parent.

~~~

Dear [IA parent],

This year is going to be quite different, in my opinion. We are a much more solidified team this year. We also have an awareness of where we were struggling with our mission. We are also streamlining our program. Our program has essentially three components.

The first is our Social Emotional program. Last year we succeeded in showing kids that we are serious about empowering them. But we were not effective in producing a cohesive program and we seemed to stumble a bit through the year with pendulum swings of freedom and frustration. By February we had realized that we were going to use Positive Discipline. Then by May we found a comprehensive school program called the Responsive Classroom, that guides teachers in the organization of a classroom in alignment with Positive Discipline and our mission. This guidance is for organization and interaction. I believe this year will be different in that our interactions with the kids will be more empowering, loving and firm.

The second component is Project Based Learning. All of our teachers have now received extra training in creating projects that are not just fun but rigorous and bring with them a rubric for assessment that students can help create and use to measure their success. This will give our projects the sometimes missing component of rigor. It will also help us teach our students how to create a real project. I am hoping they will be able to implement this when they want to learn about anything.

The third component is the change in our skills program. We will be using literature to support our projects and doing more incorporation of the various styles of writing. Our teachers will be actively using high quality children's literature to model the skills. We will be working on goal setting and self evaluation much throughout the year.. Math will still be skills based but we are using more manipulatives and problem solving approaches. Children will be encouraged to master basic skills based on an understanding about how they learn best.

Many of our teachers are partnering. All of our grades are single grades so we will be actively seeking ways to integrate children in multiage learning activities.

Michelle is securing out Partner teachers. We are trying to keep our focus on Art, Music and Technology/Science.

Still no homework, though the kids may be asked to look up something on the Internet, interview a parent or grandparent or neighbor about something occasionally. The students will be compiling portfolios that parents can see anytime as well as using an online project software called Project Foundry that helps them develop their projects. The projects will be different, the structure more firm than last year with measurable components and rubrics for measurement. We are working on improving our report cards which were difficult for teachers and too subjective. The start times are still up for debate. We will be having staggered start times... the older kids will start later than the younger kids...8:30, 8:45 or 9:00? I hope this information helps.

Hope your summer is going well. I am feeling rejuvenated.

Respectfully,

Christine Kuglen

IA Summer Reading

2009-07-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hello IA Community!

I wanted to share some of our summer reading with you as I know a lot of parents are interested in our philosophy and style. Here are some great reads that we're focusing on this year!

Must have reads! These books largely guide our principles:

Positive Discipline in the Classroom by Nelsen, Lott and Glenn - How to encourage a loving yet firm environment for groups.
The First Six Weeks of School by Denton and Kriete - How to structure the first six weeks to gain the best environment.
The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Zander - How to open one's mind to multiple perspectives and support people.
The Ethic of Excellence by Ron Berger - Perfecting project based learning.

In addition, these have been recommended to us and various staff are reading them:

The Power of Our Words by Denton
Teaching Children to Care by Ruth Charney
Rules in School by Brady, Forton, Porter and Wood
The Morning Meeting Book by Kriete
Parents and Teachers Working Together by Davis and Yang
Solving Thorny Behavior Problems by Crowe

These are bonus books that some of our staff have read and are reading this year. You may find them fascinating too!

Communications Program:

99 Activities and Greetings for Morning Meetings by Correa-Connelly
Classroom Spaces that Work by Clayton and Forton
7 Strategies for Developing Capable Students by Glenn and Brock
The Schools Our Children Deserve by Kohn
The Homework Myth by Kohn
"I Won't Learn from You": And Other Thoughts on Creative Maladjustment by Kohl
The Compassionate Classroom by Hart & Kindle Hodson
Life Enriching Education by Rosenberg
"Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom Ages 4 - 14" by Chip Wood

Project Based Learning:

Disrupting Class by Christensen
"Passion for Learning: How a Project-Based System Meets the Needs of High School Students in the 21st Century "
By Ronald J. Newell
Insights and Inspirations from Reggio Emilia by Gandini, Etheridge and Hill
The Lively Kindergarten by Jones
Learning Together with Young Children: A Curriculum Framework for Reflective Teachers by Curtis and Carter

About Charter Schools:

Democratic Learning and Leading: Creating Collaborative School Governance By Ronald J. Newell and Irving H Buchen
Teachers As Owners: A Key to Revitalizing Public Education
Edited by Edward J. Dirkswager with a foreword by Ted Kolderie
The Coolest School in America: How Small Learning Communities Are Changing Everything Edited by Doug Thomas, Walter Enloe, and Ron Newell
A Different Kind of Teacher by John Taylor Gatto

Enjoy!

Danielle

IA has a New Home

2009-07-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

"For every mountain there is a miracle." ~ Robert H. Schuller

Today, I'm excited to announce that we have secured a wonderful site for Innovations Academy starting in the 2009 school year. We are locating at 123 Camino de la Reina, San Diego, CA 92108 in Mission Valley (right off the 8).

I cannot think of an address more suited to us, 123 like ABC. Camino de la Reina translates to "Path of the Queens" which seems perfect for our royal team. The classroom space is bigger, brighter, and cleaner, with space for communal rooms . The campus is beautiful with its lined trees and grassy knolls. The interior is ours to decorate and create. We're close to many community resources. Best of all, there is enough space for us all with room to grow.

We hope that you'll be joining us this Fall at our new site to kick off the new year. At this time we are securing a before and after school program for families who would like to attend. We'll be working hard over the summer to bring people together through carpools using an online ride share program (stay tuned, I should have it out in a week or less).

If you are not continuing with us to the new site, please call or email right away. Email is best.

Danielle - 858-337-1977
Email: Danielle AT InnovationsAcademy.org

Thank you again for an amazing year,

Danielle, Christine, and all IA staff

New Site for 2009/10 Year

2009-07-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

"The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun." ~Napoleon Hill

Over the last month Innovations Academy has faced and and is soon to complete a new challenge, facilities. We were notified by the Kroc Center that they would like us to vacate the space by June 30th which meant that we had to find a new school site fast. In a short amount of time our community bound together to find and secure a new site. We are in negotiations for a new site in Mission Valley right off the Auto Circle Pkwy exit and should have a lease signed next week.

In just over a month we have done this amazing feet, proving our strength once again. We're sorry that we didn't notify our new enrollments sooner and wished to get all our information clear before informing our new community. Our apologies as we know this will come as an inconvenience to some families.

Though I can't disclose the new site yet, I can give some details. The classroom space is bigger, brighter, and cleaner. The campus is beautiful with its lined trees and grassy knolls. The interior is ours to decorate and create. We're close to many community resources. Best of all, there is enough space for us all with room to grow.

We hope that you'll be joining us this Fall at our new site to kick off the new year. At this time we are securing a before and after school program for families who would like to attend as we know that it is a need in our community. In addition, because of the new space and popular demand we will be starting our day earlier, most likely 8am. Stay tuned! We'll be working hard over the summer to bring people together through carpools as well.

If you know that you will not be following us to Mission Valley or have questions, please contact me at Danielle (at) InnovationsAcademy.org or call my cell phone 858-337-1977. If you are on our wait list and would like to be removed due to location, please notify us as well.

Charters Under Siege

2009-05-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Case for innovative schools stronger than ever, but foes don't care

2:00 a.m. May 26, 2009

At a time when government revenue is plunging because of the recession, public schools around the nation are under intense pressure to make do with less. If only there were some sort of innovative, less costly way of educating kids, America's schools might be able to keep this major problem from becoming a dire crisis.

Fun in Our Community!

2009-03-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

This picture is from Pi Day! We celebrated a little late on Wednesday. At our All School Meeting we had a Pi contest where students competed to see who could memorize the most digits. Jovan, one of our 8th graders, won! (sorry I don't have a picture of him!) Later, Christine handed out pie to all of our students, they definitely enjoyed it!

That same afternoon we had our first school dance. It was more like a balloon fight, but the kids did sure have fun. I got to see the kids playing, dancing , and just having a good time. We look forward to holding more community events.

Speaking of community events, we have a very important meeting coming up for parents (and students if they'd like to attend). This is a mandatory meeting about next year and enrollment. All families must have one person in attendance. The meeting is April 14th in the Community Room at 6pm - 7pm.

Making a Difference

2009-03-06T14:45:00.001-08:00

Hi IA Community,

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. We had our second Parent Information Session last night for our 2009/10 school year. At that meeting one of our middle school students was there and asked if he could come up and say something about our school. He proceeded to say how much he enjoys it here and how much it has changed his life. It was a really touching moment and I was left feeling gratitude for everything that it has taken for IA to become and all that we'll be doing to improve in the future. It's in these moments, when I hear from our students, that I know we are on a great journey and that we are sojourning together.

Thanks for adventuring,

Danielle

Financial Literacy Class

2009-03-06T14:44:00.001-08:00

FREE Financial Literacy Classes
Learn how to:

Save money
Follow a budget
Improve your credit
Manage Debt

Every Tuesday from March 17-May 12
6:00-8:00 pm in the Kroc Center Library

Reservation Required
Please call: (619)269-1521 or e-mail Cara.Franke@usw.salvationarmy.org

Childcare and refreshments available!
Course completion (perfect attendance) graduates will receive grocery store gift cards
and $25 cash!

San Diego Science Festival!

2009-03-03T08:45:00.001-08:00

We thought that this would be fun for families!

http://www.sdsciencefestival.org/

Enjoy,

Danielle

Kroc Center Aladdin Auditions

2009-03-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

ALADDIN JR AUDITIONS

AUDITIONS: Aladdin Jr, The Salvation Army Kroc Center
DATE: Tuesday March 3rd from 4:30 - 8 pm or Thursday March 5th from 4 -8 pm
LOCATION: Joan B. Kroc Theatre
PERFORMANCES: May 20 -24, 2009
Please prepare a 1 minute audition song with cd or taped accompaniment.

Call 619-269-1540 to schedule your audition appointment or register at the Kroc Center Education Desk (next to the library)

Drop- ins are welcome and will be seen as time permits. Please register at the EDUCATION Desk prior to your audition.

Update!

2009-02-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Jeremy and Lisa's Afternoon Project Classes are going to Scripps Aquarium. Please bring a bag lunch.

Remember, the Kinder class is doing a recycling drive on Friday. Bring your bottles and cans.

Kim's class is still collecting books for their school store, they have quite the library started!

On Monday, March 2nd at 7pm, we have another Parent Meeting Scheduled where students will be showing off their skills from the partnership programs. Come along to see what they're up to on Fridays!

On Tuesday, March 3rd, Marcelline Brogli will be giving a Parent Introduction to Compassionate Communication from 6:30 - 8pm in the fireside room.

The admin staff is looking for parent volunteers to help with organization. Please contact Michelle at 619-269-1558 to get involved.

Thanks,

Danielle

We need your garbage!

2009-02-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Kindergarten needs your garbage!! We will be attending a field trip to Legoland on Thursday, March 26th. To cover the cost of a portion of the trip we will be hosting a recycling drive. We want your glass bottles, water bottles, and aluminum cans!!

The following are collection days:

Thursday, February 12
Friday, February 20
Friday, February 27
Friday, March 6
Friday, March 13
Friday, March 20

Please bring your recycling (our treasure) to the Kindergarten room on the above mornings/afternoons and we will do the rest. We will keep you update on our progress!! Drink up!!

Teen Girl Workshop

2009-02-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

http://jdfleadership.org/calendar/teen-truth-live-bully/

Blogged!

2009-02-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

We've been blogged about, at least Jeremy's class. Looks like they had a great time!

Kicking it with Innovations Academy

Golf for Kids

2009-02-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

A parent brought this to my attention and I thought to pass it on:

ProKids Golf - It is off University and 52^nd street, the great thing is that they offer FREE golf lessons for kids, as well as a learning center! There are no strings attached and I was very impressed by what they are doing for and with kids to help them be successful in life. They focus on much more than golf, but use that as a hook to help kids get motivated in other areas of life. Their website is: http://www.prokidsonline.org and it is worth checking out. There are many families who may enjoy these resources. Their phone number is 583-6106 or 582-7884.

Happy Golfing!

Danielle

Spend the Summer with High Tech High!

2009-01-29T08:37:00.001-08:00

New in summer 2009 - The Summer Academies at High Tech High

In summer 2009, the High Tech High charter schools in Point Loma will introduce three separate summer day programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels, open to families throughout San Diego County.

One-week sessions for elementary school students and two-week sessions at the middle and high school levels, offer project-based learning activities in the mornings complemented by exploratory electives in the afternoon. The middle and high school programs are modeled after many of High Tech High's most successful and popular team projects in subjects as varied as robotics, art, online game design, film making, theater, animation, engineering and creative writing. The afternoon program also includes an eclectic mix of options that include photography, painting, fitness courses, music and SAT prep.

Three two-week sessions will run between the dates of June 29 – August 7, and discounted fees are available for active military families, early enrollment, students enrolled in multiple sessions and families enrolling more than one child. Weekly fees start at $290.00, and financial aid is available for qualified families.

Detailed information and online enrollment is available online at www.hightechhigh.org/summer or requests for printed information can be addressed to summer@hightechhigh.org.

THE VILLAGE ACADEMY - For students entering grades 1-6

Session I June 29 - July 3

Session II July 6 - 10

Session III July 13 - 17

Session IV July 20 - 24

Session V July 27 - 31

HIGH TECH MIDDLE & HIGH TECH HIGH SUMMER ACADEMIES - For students entering grades 6-12

Session I June 29 - July 10

Session II July 13 - 24

Session III July 27 - August 7

Report Cards!

2009-01-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Eager Parents!

Report cards are coming soon. We hope that you will like them. Christine put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that parents' needs would be met through them. Tina then put them into a very nice format that is easy to read.

Our initial hope was that they would come out the last week in January. That said, we didn't finalize them until yesterday and we want to make sure that teachers have time to put in thoughtful feedback and comments, so we've extended the date to February 2nd.

Report Cards will be available for pick up by parents/guardians the week of February 2nd in our main office (with Donna, the new Administrative Coordinator). Those reports not picked up by the end of the week will be mailed home.

Here is some additional important information:

IA Phone Home - On Sundays, Innovations Academy will be sending phone messages with any important information for the week. We will be setting these calls between 6:30 - 7pm so that you can be ready with your calendar to write down any important dates or notes. We look forward to touching base with you weekly!

Friday Next Year Committee - On Fridays from 11:30am - 12:30pm IA staff meet to talk about ideas and plans for next year. All parents are invited to attend and we'd love to have your support. This is a great way to stay in the loop of future progress and planning. Some items that we are discussing right now are scheduling, facilities, school calendar, and Friday Partnerships. If you can't attend these meetings but would like to give input, please email us!

Facilities - To best serve our student population IA does have the option to stay at the Kroc Center next year and has the option to find something locally that will work even better for our program. We are currently looking at new sites in the area so that we know what is out there. If anyone has any ideas or recommendations please let us know.

Parent Meeting - Stay Tuned for our next Parent Meeting! The topic will be Direct Instruction. We have one meeting scheduled in the MPR on February 9th. Another meeting will be scheduled shortly for later in February. Parent participation is crucial to student success! Mark your calendar!

Thank you all for your support!

Danielle

IA Reminders!

2009-01-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who came and contributed at the Potluck! It was a great time. You all are great with food!

Below are some reminders and information:

All School Meeting:

It was great to have an all school meeting last week. One thing the kids discovered was how much of a difference making eye contact and fully interacting (such as saying a greeting) with each other is to social interaction. In the mornings and afternoons I'm encouraging the kids to make eye contact and say a greeting when coming and going from school. Please continue this practice at home to build on citizenship!

Kroc Mural Skateboard Art Contest

The Kroc Center is inviting children, ages 5-19, to create a drawing depicting why skateboarding is so awesome. A mural will be installed at the Skatepark and your child's design could be featured. Please see the education desk at the Kroc for more details!

Also, next week:

Holiday on Monday for MLK Day. We'll see you on Tuesday, January 20th.

Classics4Kids 'Picture-Perfect' Concert
Thursday, January 22nd – 11:30am, Kroc Theater, $6/seat (including adults)

A picture can tell a thousand words, but did you know that a picture can also tell a thousand musical notes? The classics philharmonic is joined by members of San Diego Pantomime Theatre to perform an original portrayal of the story and pictures of Modest Mussorgsky's famous "Pictures at an Exhibition". Focusing on visual arts and music, this concert is sure to stir your students' imaginations.

More info: http://www.classics4kids.com

Less homework revolution

2009-01-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

At IA we have a no homework policy. We're heard great responses from the parents about the extra family time they get at home.

Enjoy!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28624181/?GT1=43001

Divas Direct for Teen Girls

2009-01-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

Divas Direct is a program coordinated by the San Diego Women Film Foundation. It is an opportunity for teen girls to create films. The sessions are so inexpensive because the program is funded by a grant program.

Divas Direct
Tuesdays from 5-7 pm
Starting Tuesday, January 13 (8 week session)
$5 session fee
Room B219 in the Education Building.

Innovations 2009

2009-01-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Innovations Families!

Welcome to 2009 at Innovations Academy. I hope everyone had a great break.

I'd like to start off this blogging year with a note about punctuality as I noticed many students arriving late to school today. William Shakespeare said, "Better to be three hours too soon than one minute too late."

When students arrive on time (or early) to school it sets the pace for the day. When arriving late it disrupts the flow of the class as well as the ease in which students enter campus.

Starting on Monday, students arriving after 8:15am will need to sign in at the front office with a parent. This will ensure that we have their attendance. We feel that it is important for both parties to be present so that they can create a commitment to being punctual in the future.

Other IA Notes and Dates:

Ice skating will take place on the last Wednesday of every month

The All School Meeting will take place on the second Wednesday of every month from 12:15 - 12:45pm.

Report Cards will be available for pick up on January 28th - January 30th. All report cards not picked up by a parent/guardian will be mailed home.

January 19th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no school.

About Direct Instruction (DI) - Starting today, students are having more time for Direct Instruction in the mornings. We have adjusted our Social Emotional time so that we do some in the morning and some in the afternoon so that we can get in more morning minutes for DI.

Welcome Back Potluck! - Tuesday, January 13th from 5:30 - 8pm in the MPR - Bring your favorite dish to share!

Helix High School Lock Down

2008-12-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

As a safety procedure today, Innovations Academy was ready to perform a lock down had the authorities warranted it. Our staff was immediately notified of the possibility (since we are not far from Helix High) and informed students of the procedure. Our site did not go on lock down and the lock down at Helix was lifted at 1pm.

http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/

Today I have a gratitude for being in a safe environment with a wonderfully responsive community.

~Danielle

All School Bake Sale & Holiday Sing-A-Long

2008-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

All School Bake Sale & Holiday Sing-A-Long

Wednesday, December 17th
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
In the Multi-Purpose Room

Parents, please donate a baked good, and purchase one to take home.
All funds raised will benefit IA activities.

The singing will be led by Star, Virginia, Bill, and your children!
We invite you to sing along!

Thank you for your support!

Tis the Season!

2008-12-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

This has been a busy couple of weeks for IA! With the Thanksgiving break and Winter Break coming ahead there is a lot of energy and excitement around these parts.

Last week we had our first Parent Meeting and it was fabulous. I really enjoyed seeing all of your faces and being able to connect as one community. We went over some school policy as well as had an introduction to Compassionate Communication. As far as turn out, we had about 50% of our parent community in attendance. This is a good start and I know we can do even better in the future.

If you'd like to find out more about Compassionate Communication (CC) Practice Groups in the San Diego area please see: http://www.sdnvc.org/pages/events.html

IA News Below:

Don't want to wrap Christmas gifts yourself? Let IA students do it!

Students from the older grades here at IA have volunteered to help you wrap your Christmas gifts during their lunch break next week, 11am-12noon Dec 15-19! Donations will help support their spring field trip plans!

This Wednesday - School Presentation Show - Many classes will be presenting some of their projects and talents at this morning meeting starting at 8:30am. Parents are highly encouraged to attend!

Iceskating Wednesday - We've had a lovely time iceskating at IA and will be doing it again this Wednesday to close off the holiday season.

Wednesday Bake Sale from 12:30 - 1:30pm

Friday - Last day of school before break

Kim and Lisa's wax museum has been postponed until January.

No school on Monday the 5th!

January 6th - Welcome back!

Kindergarten Service Learning Requests Your Support

2008-12-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

IA we need your help! Kindergarten is completing their service learning project with a toiletry drive for an orphanage in TJ. Please ask your students to bring any donations by the end of next week. We will have a donation box on Wednesday, December 17th during the bake sale, but will take donations until Friday, December 19th.

In order to complete our service learning project we would like to have a toiletry drive for the orphanage in Tijuana. We will, also, be sending the stools that we have painted. We would like to collect the following to donate:

laundry detergent

toilet paper

dish soap

paper towels

soap

shampoo

toothpaste

New Socks & New Underwear (children ages 2 & up)

The website is www.tjkids.org if you would like to take a look.

Thank you!

The Kindergarten Classes

The Digital Age

2008-12-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

Some thoughts from Kim, our 3/4/5 combo teacher:

Marc Prensky's book "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants" made me think about how the children of today learn differently than we did. This has important implications about education, which we are only beginning to understand. I thought you might find this excerpt interesting.

"Do our children learn differently from us? Are they "digital natives"?

It is amazing to me how in all the hoopla and debate these days about the decline of education in the US, we ignore the most fundamental of its causes. Our students have changed radically. Today's students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach....

Today's students - K through college - represent the first generations to grow up with this new [digital technology] technology. They have spent their entire lives surrounded by and using computers, videogames, digital music players, video cams, cell phones, and all the other toys and tools of the digital age... Computer games, email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging are integral parts of their lives.

It is now clear that as a result of this ubiquitous environment and the sheer volume of their interaction with it, today's students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors. These differences go far further and deeper than most educators suspect or realize.*"

Most parents aspire to have their children enjoy reading and sports and find that somehow, modern electronics (television, game machines, computers, etc.) competes with these activities. It is a challenge for parents to manage the modern media's impact on our children and families. But as parents, you can manage your environment. Of course, tools and services to help are useful. Some tips:

1. Email. Have your children write emails to their cousins and grandparents. Of course, you should closely supervise their online activities including having the youngest ones use your email account.

2. Blogs. While children have traditionally loved keeping journals, it seems that many get particularly excited by seeing their own writing on the internet. Since starting a blog takes minutes and it's easy to keep safe and anonymous, it provides a simple motivating way to "publish" your children's writing.

3. Websites. There are great learning games available online. Three sites that we recommend: LearningGamesForKids, SpellingCity, and Vocabulary is Fun.

4. Online interactive curriculum. Time4Learning's online automated curriculum teaches from PreSchool to 8th Grade. Give it a try. Time4Writing has recently been created to provide eight week online writing courses with individual feedback.

Thanks for reading,

John Edelson
It's Time4Learning. And Fun.

*Excerpted from: "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants" By Marc Prensky.

Social Emotional Success

2008-11-24T11:32:00.001-08:00

Compassionate Communication Success at IA!

From a mother of at first grader at IA:

I have to share with you something that impressed me tonight. My son got in trouble for shouting at his Dad, they went back and forth a little, and he was sent to his room. He came out a few moments later, and asked his Dad if he could talk to him. Little did Dad know that he was about to learn a lesson from his 6 yr.old. My son asked his Dad to please speak to him in giraffe talk. He then proceeded with the conversation, making sure to stop Dad and correct him when he wasn't doing it right. (It was so cute!) In the end they were both speaking Giraffe, both agreed to treat each other with honor and respect. It was awesome! I am so pleased that my children are learning to communicate in such a peaceful way! I see a difference in the way my daughter is communicating also. Several weeks ago she shocked me with a very mature reaction to something that I was upset about. It is amazing to me, what they have learned in only a few months....can't wait to see what else they bring home to teach Mom and Dad!

~~~

From a mother of a middle school student:

I just wanted to let you know that my son is not only enjoying school for the first time in many years, but I am also seeing such personal growth and evolving maturity. I'm not sure what all you're doing with the social emotional curriculum but he is definitely integrating the lessons and putting them into action at home. I only wish I could do as well!

Thanks for all you do.

~~~

Reminder: Mandatory Parent Meetings are on December 1st (in the Community Room in the Admin building, far East) and 4th (in the Multi Purpose Room in the Ed Building) from 7pm - 8pm (please attend one, not both).

Breakthroughs!

2008-11-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

He gossips habitually; he lacks the common wisdom to keep still that deadly enemy of man, his own tongue ~ Mark Twain

Here at IA one thing we talk a lot about with the kids is the importance of going to the source of their issues. We call it avoiding x, y, z talk (when x has something to say to z but tells it to y instead). It's amazing how much gossip can take a situation to one of a simple issue to one of pandemonium.

In the last week we've had a lot of breakthroughs with students. Generally, with a breakthrough a breakdown will occur before hand. Last week one of our students had a breakdown in which he acted inappropriately and threw a chair and knocked over a table. After this situation there were a number of people upset and rightfully so. What wasn't seen was that Christine and I handled this situation with a lot of care and guidance. On Friday, this same student had a huge breakthrough with his teacher about knowing that people truly care about him here. We have seen a complete turn around and could not be happier about it.

One thing I have seen through this situation is a lot of x, y, z talk. There has been chatter about Innovations not having discipline, and that is just not true. Our way of working with students, even through problems, doesn't look the same as other schools, and that's purposeful because we are not just another school. Unfortunately when this talk flies it's very hard to give clarity and peace to a situation. Hopefully we will be able to give this clarity and peace at a meeting that is currently being scheduled for families (stay tuned!).

I would strongly urge that if any members of the IA community have an issue or concern that they come straight to the source so that we can create breakthroughs together. I know that from speaking with families I have gained much insight into what is working for them and what is not. Through that dialog and feedback we can make IA stronger every day.

~Danielle

Fundraising Meeting

2008-11-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

Greetings Parents and Families!

Innovations has made a new partnership with Mad Science of San Diego to bring fun, exciting, hands-on learning to our students during our Friday enrichment program. So far, the students seem to love it! Feel free to check out more on their programs and curriculum at: http://www.madscience.org

However, Mad Science is not cheap, and we must fundraise to keep them! Various parents came up with good ideas to follow up with at the last parent meeting. In addition to ideas such as eScrip, Powermall, and dinners at local venues, we are also planning a music-&-art fundraiser for the spring here at the Kroc center.

To that end, we will be holding our first fundraising meeting here at the school on Monday, November 17th at 6pm in Bill's room upstairs (219).

Please come! Your energy and support here at Innovations is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Desiree

Updates from Innovations!

2008-11-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

Innovations is into its 3rd month of school! It has been quite a ride to go from founding Innovations to becoming an integral part of a living organization.

Some triumphs have been:

Hearing how much the students are enjoying their math and language arts curriculum!
Having students work out their issues using Compassionate Communication.
Seeing how polite our students were during a ballet that we were invited to at the Kroc Center at the last minute (no time to prep about audience etiquette).
Creating the morning quote.

Some items that we're working on:

Obtaining 80 computers for the school! (Being a first year with no credit history makes this a challenge. Anyone have any ideas/leads?)
Giving more choice to students during their Friday partnerships.
Planning our Student Support Program nights (We've had one thus far on Compassionate Communication)

Reminders, and new calendar dates, for the coming month:

November 11th - No School - Veterans Day

November 14th - Picture Day Make-ups.

November 14th - Crazy Hair Day!

November 19th & 20th - Back to School Days - Come and see what your child(ren) is doing in school! Teachers will be sending out separate announcements about how they are running their Back to School Day. Both of these days will be 1/2 days and families can come in during the afternoon.

November 20th - Half Day - Due to scheduling with the Kroc Center, one of our Back to School Days will be on Thursday, November 20th, so we will have a 1/2 day ending at 1pm. Please plan accordingly.

November 24th - 28th - Thanksgiving Holiday - School is off. See you in December!

December 1st - No School - Staff inservicing.

Have a great day!

Danielle

Social Emotional Learning

2008-08-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/08/22/should-social-emotional-learning-be-part-of-academic-curriculum/

Schools are beginning to offer an increasing number of courses in social and emotional intelligence, teaching students how to better understand their own emotions and the emotions of others.

It sounds warm and fuzzy, but it's a trend backed up by hard data. Today, new studies reveal that teaching kids to be emotionally and socially competent boosts their academic achievement. More precisely, when schools offer students programs in social and emotional learning, their achievement scores gain around 11 percentage points.

Unanimous!

2008-05-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

We've been unanimously approved by the SD school board!

Congrats, IA!

San Diego Play Therapy Free Presentation

2008-04-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Psychiatric Medications & Children:

What Parents Want To Know

May, 31^st, 2008 10am-11am

Psychiatric medications are becoming increasingly common in today’s culture, even among children. As a result, it’s important for parents and anyone who works with children to understand when medications may be helpful- or harmful- to kids.

You are invited to this FREE presentation to hear Dr. Monique Masse, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, discuss:

Pros and cons of medicating children
The most common conditions for which medication is prescribed to children
The most commonly prescribed medications for children
How to determine whether or not your child would benefit from medication
How to keep children safe from medications in the home
How to monitor your child’s medication to ensure it is working the way it should
How and when to stop your child’s medication

Presenter: Dr. Monique Masse is a child and adult psychiatrist in private practice since 1998. A graduate of UC Berkeley, she went to medical school at UC Davis, and completed her child and adolescent fellowship at UC San Diego. She also received pediatric training at North Shore University Hospital in Manhassett, as well as psychiatric training at New York Hospital Cornell. Because of her education and experience in both medicine and psychotherapy, she is uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat a wide range of mental health and medical issues.

Where: San Diego Center for Play Therapy in Rancho Bernardo (directions can be found at www.sdplay.org on the contact us page)

When: Saturday, May 31, 10 to 11am

Cost: FREE!

RSVP: To San Diego Center for Play Therapy at (858) 675-9600 ext. 1 or to awickstrom@sdplay.org to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

NVC Training

2008-04-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

*******************************************************************************************

COMPASSIONATE (NONVIOLENT) COMMUNICATION Introductory classes in Del Mar

*******************************************************************************************

INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS:

First Saturday of the Month Introduction

May 3, June 14 9:30 a.m. -12:30

p.m. $35 ind., $50 for 2 persons

First Monday of the Month Introduction

May 5, June 9 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

$35 ind., $50 for 2 persons

To reserve please send $10 d e p o s i t.

***Private Introductions 1.1/2 hrs upon

request $50 for 1 or 2 persons

REPEAT introductory class at no charge

One-time intensive work for couple/partners 1.1/2hrs. for two people $50

PRACTICE GROUPS:

TUESDAY EVENING PRACTICE group, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For individuals and couples

Requested Donation: $160 for 6 sessions, $240 for two persons

THURSDAY MORNING WOMENS group, 10:00 to 12:00 am

Requested Donation: $160 for 6 sessions

********************************************************

INSTRUCTOR: Marcelline Brogli, M.A., MFT.

Marcelline Brogli is a certified trainer in Nonviolent (Compassionate)

Communication (NVC), a process founded by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg over

forty years ago. She has presented NVC in schools, businesses,

families, churches and hospitals in the U.S., Switzerland, Germany,

Mexico, Peru and India. Marcelline is licensed as a marriage and family

therapist in California.

Please e-mail mbrogli@earthlink.net or call 858-755-4053 for

more information, reservations and directions.

April 8th, District Hearing (Audio Recording)

2008-04-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for the audio of our meeting:

http://www.sandi.net/podcast/2008/SDUSD_BOE_040808_Pt2.mp3

The Innovations Academy presentation is at 6:26-22:07.

At this time, the website has links for live video streaming but they don't offer it archived. It was also broadcast live on cable TV on ITV 16. So for our next Board of Ed appearance, we will record it live from TV or the internet stream.

Thanks!

Danielle

San Diego District Hearing

2008-04-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for being at the School Board Meeting. It was amazing to see all the faces (I'd estimate about 70 people being there just for us) of our community when everyone was asked to rise, truly a moving moment.

I know that I personally am a very harsh critic of any of my endeavors and I wouldn't have changed a thing about our presentation. Everyone spoke beautifully and there were instances where I could feel the whole room hanging onto our words. Valerie, our parent speaker, was especially captivating as she told about the struggles she has faced over the years in educating her children.

I would love for anyone there to write a comment in the blog so that our community has a voice that others can hear.

So, what's next? We wait. In 30 days we will have official notice from the district. Stay tuned!

~Danielle

p.s. I have heard that there is a way to get a link to the School Board video of the meeting, I'll post it as soon as I have it.

April 8th Update

2008-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here is all the info you will need for the April 8th meeting!

What? Tuesday, April 8th District Hearing at 3pm. We are asking as many supporters to be there as possible as it strengthens our Petition approval process.

When? This Tuesday, April 8th from 3pm - 6pm at the latest. Because of the nature of the agenda we cannot say for sure exactly what time we will go on. That said, we ask that everyone arrive by 3pm.

Where? The meeting is held at the Ed Center at 4100 Normal Street.

Parking? Parking is available from 2:30pm - 6pm at First Southern Baptist Church at 4353 Park Blvd. The church is located on the east side of Park Blvd., between Meade and El Cajon Blvd. (across from Birney Elementary).

Please Note: The parking lot at St. John's Catholic Church, located at the corner of Normal St. and Polk Ave., is not open to the public.

Bonus! For the kids, there is outside space at the front of the building and there is a waiting area if you'd rather roam around. Before Innovations Academy goes on, someone will come out to the waiting area and outside space to let you know to come in. Please bring a bagged snack if you'd like.

What to wear? Please wear a blue shirt to signify that you are a supporter of Innovations Academy and the charter school movement.

How? Once Christine begins to talk, she will ask all supporters to rise. Your children may also make an 8 1/2 by 11 inch poster to show their support!

Bonus! After the meeting we will take a group photo, so meet on the green area out front.

Thank you very much for supporting Innovations Academy, we'll see you on the 8th!