A Note from the Principal

As we head into winter break, I want to take a moment to wish our students, families, and community a joyful holiday season. This time of year has a special way of bringing warmth and cheer into our building—through kind words, extra patience, and the small moments of connection that remind us why we do this work.

One of the highlights of December was the generosity shown to our school. Because of donations we received, we were able to send students off with a $20 gift card. We hope it adds a little brightness to their holiday and serves as a reminder that they are seen, valued, and supported by an entire community that believes in them.

We also enjoyed a sweet send-off to break with a cinnamon roll breakfast on our last day together. Watching students and staff share laughs, grab a warm bite, and soak in the holiday spirit was a simple but meaningful reminder of how powerful a positive school culture can be.

Thank you for being part of what makes Initial Point such a special place. We are proud of the growth, resilience, and effort our students have shown this quarter, and we’re grateful for the staff who show up every day with care and commitment.

Wishing you a restful break and a happy New Year—we’re looking forward to all that 2026 will bring!

— Jessica Griswold, Principal

Quarter 2 Wrap-Up: We return from break with two weeks remaining in Quarter 2 (Weeks 8 & 9).

Early Sign-Outs: During Week 9, students who are passing all classes may be eligible for early sign-out, tentatively planned for Tuesday afternoon. Final details will be shared when we return in January.

Attendance Appeals: Notices for families needing to appeal attendance for Quarter 2 will be sent on January 5. Students appealing for a second consecutive quarter will be required to meet with our attendance team (Kyra, Terri, and Griz).

Quarter 3 Begins: Tuesday, January 20, following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Starting in Quarter 3, attendance will be taken during Friday Intervention. Students will only be marked absent if they are required to attend and do not show up, and any absences on Intervention Fridays will count toward the 5-absence limit for good standing.

Attendance will be taken by assigned class period. Students will only be marked absent for the specific periods they were required to attend. To be counted as present, students must check in with the teacher(s) for their assigned class(es) and complete work for those classes during Intervention.

Happy December! We are almost done with Quarter 2. When we return from winter break, we only have 2 weeks left. If your student is behind, please encourage them to work on some assignments through Schoology over the break. I am especially concerned about several seniors that may not be able to graduate on time if they do not pass their classes this quarter. 

Shout out to the following seniors that have received their Idaho Launch grant: Kendra, Jensen, Brody, Kaybee, Angel, Kairi, Kara, Lilly, Judi, and Brycen!!! They now have 80% of their tuition paid for in the program of their choice post-high school. Congratulations to all!

Lastly- seniors: please remember to email me your senior and baby photos. They were due December 18th and I am missing quite a few still! We need them for the yearbook and the graduation slideshow. 

As we take some rest and prepare for the new year, I want to remind everyone again that my plan is to work as long as I can, with my maternity leave estimated to begin around mid-February. However, anything can happen! Reach out sooner rather than later if you have a question for me about what things will look like while I am out for the rest of the year. 

Have a wonderful holiday break!!

Kyra Brown

December 22- January 2th: No School for Winter Break

January 5th: No School, Teacher In-Service

January 9th: Friday Intervention

January 16th: Last day of Quarter 2

January 19th: No School MLK Day

January 20th: 1st Day of Quarter 3

January 23rd: Normal School Day- No Friday Intervention