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The Phoenix Press
IPHS Monthly
October 23, 2024
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October Update: A Note From The Principal
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Hello Phoenix Families!
October has been a busy month at Initial Point. As we near the end of the quarter, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some incredible work from our students. In the Strategies for Success class, students have been collaborating on designing and building their own board games, a project that highlights their teamwork and innovation. Our student leadership team has also been busy working on a business plan for a student-run coffee cart, which will officially open this week. Meanwhile, our Consumer Math class has been focused on practical budgeting and tax projects that help them develop valuable life skills. I also had the enjoyment of watching some outstanding senior project presentations that showcased creativity, hard work, and passion.
I’d also like to take a moment to thank all the parents who attended the conferences a few weeks ago. Your involvement and support are vital to the success of our students, and I deeply appreciate the time you took to connect with us.
As the quarter comes to a close this Friday, let's keep up the great work and finish strong!
With Warmest Regards,
Griz
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If your student is in need of a device to work on schoolwork from home, we have several in the office available for checkout. Your student would need to connect with Mr. Keister for a device and charger. |
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Sadly, Initial Point High School will not be hosting our own Trunk or Treat this year. We apologize for the disappointment and confusion that this may have caused.
Additionally, the picture retakes and senior Cap/Gown photos that were scheduled for November 5th have been moved to December 10th. The rescheduling was necessary with the district's decision to close schools on the 5th for Election Day. Reminders will be sent out as we get closer to December!
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Attendance Appeal Process
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With the quarter quickly approaching its end, it's time to start talking about attendance appeals. If your student has more than 5 absences (verified, unverified, or truancies) in any given course, they have automatically lost credit for that course. This is now displayed in PowerSchool! If your student's grade in a course in PowerSchool shows "LCA" that means they have lost credit automatically for that course.
If your student will still end the course with a passing grade (70%, or C, and above), then they must submit an appeal to the front office for a chance to still earn credit for that class. We recognize that challenges with attendance can arise, and we want to provide students with a structured process to appeal for credit when these challenges occur. Our attendance appeal process offers students an opportunity to reflect on their struggles, seek support, and create a plan for improvement.
Appeal Process Overview:
- First Appeal (this is everyone currently- the new year means a fresh start):
- Students complete an appeal form signed by a parent/guardian and submit a reflection letter that outlines why attendance was a challenge, identifies barriers, and provides a plan for improvement.
- Teachers are asked to fill out an online questionnaire regarding the student’s actions in class, and the efforts made to recover the learning lost due to the absences.
- Second Appeal:
- Instead of writing a letter, students will present their case to the appeal committee and their teachers in person.
- Third Appeal:
- A mandatory parent/guardian meeting is required. During this meeting, students will collaborate with staff and family members to develop a long-term solution to attendance issues and sign an attendance contract. Regular check-ins will monitor progress.
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this process.
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As November draws near and fall settles in, it’s time to look forward to Initial Point’s annual Thanksgiving Feast. On Thursday, November 21st, our school will take a moment to step away from the daily routine, savor delicious food, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on the many things we are most grateful for.
As we prepare for this special event, we would greatly appreciate the help of volunteers to assist with serving the meal. We are also seeking donations of dishes or supplies to make the feast a success. If you’re able to contribute in any way, whether by lending a hand or providing a needed item, please contact our office manager, Terri Reno, at 208-472-9721 or email her at treno@kunaschools.org. Your support will help make this celebration even more memorable for our students and staff.
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Happy October!
This month we had several sophomores complete the PSAT, which is great practice for them to take the SAT next year if they choose. If any juniors are interested in taking the SAT in the spring, let me know and I can get them on the list. Students need to decide in February if they would like to take the SAT in April.
Seniors also completed Application Day where they applied for Idaho Launch, colleges, and set up their accounts for Parchment (transcript requests) and started the FAFSA. I am available to help students if they did not finish this. Please reach out if you have questions.
Schedules for quarter 2 are now on Power School! Our new quarter begins October 28th, so make sure your student knows that they have new classes starting Monday. Monday is also spirit week, see information about that below.
Kyra Brown
klbrown@kunaschools.org
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Important Dates In November
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- November 1st- Regular School Day
- November 5th- NO SCHOOL (Election Day)
- November 8th- Regular School Day
- November 15th- Friday Intervention Resumes for Quarter 2
- November 21st- Thanksgiving Feast
- November 25th-29th- No School, Thanksgiving break
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