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.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Year ReCap
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
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hedge Funds Supporting Charter Schools
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
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/hedge-funds-scholarly-investments/
Enjoy,
Danielle
Monday, December 14, 2009
Updates for the week of December 14
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
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
Saturday, December 5, 2009
CSA at IA
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
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
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Important Dates!
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.
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.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
School Update for the week of Nov 2
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
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
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