November 2, 2015

Irmo Middle School

6051 Wescott Road
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 476-3600
www.lexrich5.org/ims
School Hours:
8:20 a.m.3:35 p.m.

Inside this issue:

Summer School
2
Surviving Natural Disaster 3
Sept. Staff Superlatives
4
Veterans Day
5
Veterans Honoree From
6
Middle School Years
7-8
ChicFilA Calendar Card Info 9
ChicFilA Order Form
10
Parent Portal
11
Box Top Competition
11
Reading Season
12-13
Career Day
14
Job Shadowing
14
Individual Graduation Plans 15

Dates to Remember:
Tues 11/3
G40 Mtg. 7:45-8:10
Media Center
Fri 11/6
FCA Mtg. 7:40-8:10
AM Room 904

The Buzz at Irmo Middle School

Creating successful students for the challenges of tomorrow
rsjackso@lexrich5.org

Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal

https://twitter.com/IMS_Principal

Expeditionary Learning Changes Name

Launches #WeAreCrew Social Media Campaign

As you may know, the culture of high student achievement and engagement that is at
the core of Irmo Middles International Academic Magnet is in large part due to our
partnership with Expeditionary Learning (EL), a non-profit organization with a nationwide network of 150+ schools, serving more than 4,000 teachers and 50,000 students.
Expeditionary Learning is embarking on a new chapter in the organizations history. At
their national conference, Expeditionary Learning changed its name to EL Education
effective October 27th.
The new name will allow EL to remain rooted in its strong heritage of Expeditionary
Learning and its connection to Outward Bound. At the same time, it clarifies and highlights the organizations main focus, which is education. The launch of the new name
also presents all of us with an opportunity to highlight what EL Educations special
sauce, combining rigor and joy in learning, means at IMS. You can help bring the
#WeAreCrew social media campaign to life by forwarding photos and videos of your
children and others being Crew in their classrooms and communities to
brandcenter@elschools.org, or participating directly on Twitter or Instagram using
#WeAreCrew.
We are excited to join with EL Education in announcing this news to our school community, friends and the world at large, and hope you will help us spread the word
about the challenging, adventurous and meaningful work thats going on here at IMS.
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Okra Strut Volunteer Recycling Team

2 teachers, 12 students (1not pictured),
2 Adult Community Members, & 2 Student Community Members

If you have news for the

Buzz, email Allison Redick
at aredick@lexrich5.org.

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Summer School 2016

The following dates have been approved for students who will
be attending Summer School 2016 at Irmo Middle. We are
sharing this information early with students, parents, and families so everyone can plan for their summer vacations. We are
very confident that our interactions and interventions throughout the year will minimize and/or eliminate the need for summer school for most (if not all of our students). If you need any
information about summer school, please contact Mr. Glenn
Hutto, Assistant Principal for Instruction at 476-3663.
Summer School Information
The Middle School Summer School Program is designed for students in grades 6, 7 and 8 who have not mastered
the course standards in English, Social Studies, Math, or Science. This program is streamlined to concentrate on
academic mastery.
Who attends summer school?
Rising 7th ,8th, and 9th grade students who have failed either one or two academic subjects. Those students who
have failed three or more classes are ineligible to attend summer school and may be retained in their current grade. Out
of district students cannot enroll in this program.
Where will summer school be held?
Summer School will be held at Irmo Middle.
Rising 7th Graders attend Irmo Middle
Rising 8th Graders attend Irmo Middle
Rising 9th Graders attend Irmo Middle
What are the dates for summer school?
Current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will take courses offered only on the following dates:
June 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28
What times will students attend?
Students will attend from 8:30am 1:30pm. There will be no afternoon sessions.
How will my student get to summer school?
Parents are responsible for transportation arrangements (to and from summer school).
How do I register my child for summer school?
Registration packets will be available in the spring on our website and in the main office at the school.

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If you have not set up your Parent Portal Account, come

by the school bring your ID and someone at the front
desk will be happy to assist you. If you set up a Parent
Portal account and have forgotten your password and or
user name, click on the Having trouble logging in link on the Parent Portal
Login page. You will receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password and or user name. If
this does not resolve your issues, and you are still in need of assistance, please complete the Parent Portal Assistance Form. For other questions refer to the Parent Portal Guide for suggestions.
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Surviving After a Natural Disaster

Throughout the District 5 Community many families have been impacted by the recent Flood. The efforts witnessed by this community to extend a helping hand have
been amazing, and continue to demonstrate the resilience and strength of
#SCStrong. Often the recovery process for persons affected by a natural disaster
extend far beyond the immediate replacement of homes and other items lost. The
emotional toll sometimes can continue to have effects long after the disaster is over
and the physical pieces are on the way to being rebuilt.
Counselors from the Loyola University of Maryland, point out this emotional response is normal. They are the body, mind, and spirits way of understanding, accepting, and making peace with an unexplainable situation. Through gentle self-care and by coping head-on with
the emotional effects of the disaster, those reactions will decrease over time, the disaster can be let go of, and
life will begin to re-balance.

Resources for families needing assistance:

FEMA/ 1800621FEMA or Disasterassistance.gov
American Red Cross/ 1800REDCROSS (733-2767) or redcross.org
Small Business Association offers loans for individuals and businesses
DisasterAssistance.gov or 1(800)621-3362
City of Columbia Care Hotline/ 1(866)272-1976, Monday-Saturday 8am-7pm
SC Legal Services/ www.sclegal.org; www.lawhelp.org/sc; or 1(888)346-5592

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September Staff Superlatives!

Exceptional teachers, staff members, and interactive communication channels are the
backbone of our great school. When we have these essential elements in place, they allow us to provide the type of teaching and learning experiences for our students that
create the level of readiness needed for high school, college, and tomorrows high demand jobs. Teachers and Support Staff deserve all the recognition that we can give
them. On that note, we are proud to announce the September, Outstanding Teacher,
Staff Member, and Digital Integration Teacher of the Month recipients. With these
recognition's, teachers and staff members will have a sign hung above their classroom
door, a feature on the website, a formal presentation in front of their students, preferred parking for the recognition period, a spotlight in the newsletter, and a feature on the school's blog,
Facebook page, and Twitter feed.

Teacher of the Month: Mr. Nicholas Godfrey

This teacher was doing things EL style before he ever joined our family at Irmo
Middle. As our district was looking to hire someone, I heard about his teaching
style and thought about how well he would fit in at our school. Now that he is here,
on any given day he may be outside of his classroom doing a hands-on activity, using inquiry like its his second language, or any number of creative and engaging
practices. The students come to his class everyday and "DO" social studies instead
of reading social studies.
In his first year here, he has helped admin with their duties as he completes his Admin degree, he gives valuable input at our meetings, and he continues to carry out
all of this with a smile and positive attitude. We are fortunate to have Mr. Godfrey at Irmo Middle.
Congratulations to Sep. Teacher of the Month, Mr. Nicholas Godfrey!

Staff of the Month: Mr. T.J. Henning

T.J. works tirelessly fixing, installing and troubleshooting all of the technology
here at Irmo Middle School. He is often here late working in rooms, as not to interrupt our classes. T.J. makes all our technology hum and helps keep us all sane
when smartboards go down or our computers cease functioning. We are so fortunate to have T.J. here. His job is often thankless since he works quietly in the
background, but we know when he has been here. Thank you T.J. for all you do to
make our school function.
Congratulations to our September Staff of the Month, T.J. Henning!

Digital Integration Teacher of the Month: Mrs. Regan Moore

Septembers technology honoree uses and integrates technology in her classroom
with her students . She is enthusiastic about learning new ways to use and integrate digital resources into her lessons and help make s learning fun for her students. Her willingness to embrace the technology and help students hone their
digital skills is something that her students appreciate and is evident as you
watch them apply technology skills to real world learning and problem solving.
Congratulations Sep. Digital Integration Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Regan Moore.
These educators not only perform their respective jobs extremely well, they go
above and beyond when called upon to go the extra mile. All three consistently
embody the essence of the #IrmoSTRONG spirit both in and out of the classroom. Irmo Middle School is
both very appreciative and extremely fortunate to count these professionals among our faculty and staff.
Join us in congratulating these incredible educators on their accomplishments.

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In Honor of Veterans Day November 11, 2015

In honor of Veterans Day 2015 Irmo Middle School students, faculty and staff would like to celebrate our military family with a Military Honor Wall and Pastries for Patriots Breakfast.
To join us for Pastries, from 7:30am - 8:10am please fill out the slip below. Parent/ Guardian permission is required for students to eat with service member. To feature a Veteran on the Honor
Wall, fill in the information (on the next page) and provide a picture for display.
Please return to the Guidance Department by November 4th.
Everyone is encouraged to wear Red, White and Blue on this day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I _____________________________ give my student ____________________________
permission to participate in IMS 2015 Veterans Day Celebration.
Parent / Guardian Signature _______________________________
Student/ Faculty/ Staff Name _______________________________
Veterans Name _________________________________________
(

) Yes, I plan to have Pastries for Patriots on November 11, 2015.

) No, I do not plan to attend Pastries for Patriots on November 11, 2015.

* Parent permission is required for student(s) to accompany Veteran for Pastries Breakfast.

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Veterans Name:______________________________________
Branch of the Military:
Years of Service:
Honored By:

_________________________________

_____________________________________

________________________________________

Please provide a photo of the honored Service Member if available.

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Calendar Card Order Form

Only exact cash or check accepted.

Checks payable to IMS PTSO and include your child's name on the check.
Limited quantity available.
First come first serve.
If you have any questions please email them to jmkgordon@me.com.
Thank you for supporting the Irmo Middle School PTSO.

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We are well on our way with the 2015-16 school year. Students have established routines and are all working
on academic goals. Now is a great time for parents to check in with students and outline any areas of support
needed. Interim reports were sent home with students on Friday, September 25. Review with students their
grades and engage them in a discussion about what academic goals they have for the year. Have them set up a
plan to reach those goals. If you or your student needs assistance from a School Counselor, please let us know.
If you have not set up your Parent Portal Account, come by the school bring your ID and someone at the front
desk will be happy to assist you.
If you set up a Parent Portal account and have forgotten your password and or user name, click on the Having
trouble logging in link on the Parent Portal Login page. You will receive an email with instructions on how to
reset your password and or user name.
If this does not resolve your issues, and you are still in need of assistance, please complete the Parent Portal
Assistance Form. For other questions refer to the Parent Portal Guide for suggestions.
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All you have to do:

Bring in Box Tops to raise money for our school!
The CREW from each grade with the most by the end
of the quarter earns a prize!
Prizes (Choice of):
Choice of seating during lunch
First in line at lunch for a week
Eat lunch outside for a day

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Career Day at IMS

November 20th, 8:30-10:30 AM
November is National Career Month. The month is
designed to highlight the importance of lifelong career development and the personal empowerment of
all people. It also gives us another opportunity to
show students how what they learn in school is related to the skills they will need in the workplace.
On Friday, November 20th from 8:30-10:30 AM, IMS
will be hosting Career Day. All students will have the
opportunity to listen to multiple speakers from various career paths.

Parents, if you are willing to share you career experiences with our students on Career Day, we would
appreciate your participation in this program. Please contact Allison Redick at 803- 476-3668 or email at aredick@lexrich5.org.

Job Shadowing
October 23, 2015 - April 22, 2016
Job Shadowing is a great time for your student to explore the world of
work. Job Shadowing gives students an opportunity to see that the skills
they learn in school are related to the skills they will need in the workplace. Job Shadowing is considered a short-term experience to introduce a student to a particular job by a oneon-one pairing of a student with an employee in a work environment. The student shadows the worker up to
one day to better understand the requirements of a particular career. All students are encouraged to participate
in this activity.

Important Information:
1. Students and their parents/guardians will make arrangements for the student to shadow a parent/guardian,
friend, relative or another person in a career of interest at the work site to include Transportation. This Job
Shadowing opportunity is offered in lieu of Take-Your-Daughter/Son To-Work Day and Groundhog Shadowing Day.
2. Students are only eligible to have ONE day per school year for this activity. Job Shadowing can be completed
in a couple of hours, an entire day, weekends and/or holidays.
3. Students provide their own lunch during shadowing,
4. Students should demonstrate punctuality, honesty, good grooming habits, appropriate dress and willingness
to learn.
5. Students serve as an observer, not a worker.
6. Students are not permitted to shadow teachers at Irmo Middle School or Crossroads Middle School.
7. Any school work missed as a result of being absent for shadowing is the responsibility of the student.
If interested, please have your student contact Allison Redick, Career Specialist to pick up a packet or go to our
IMS Website under the Guidance Department/Career Specialist to print a packet. Also, if you need assistance for
a particular career to job shadow please contact Allison Redick @ 803- 476-3668 or email: aredick@lexrich5.org.

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What are Individual

Graduation Plans (IGP)?
The Economic Development Act (EEDA) was passed in 2005. The implementation of this law was designed to
better prepare yourself for what you want to do after high school and to help you and your parents/guardians
make informed decisions about your education and future. The core of this law is the idea of planning. You,
along with your parent, will begin to create an IGP in the 8th grade as you prepare to enter the high school. During this time, you will select a cluster of study as you map out courses to take in high school. A career cluster is a
way of organizing classes around an occupational group. Each year in high school, you will review your IGP with a
guidance counselor and changes can be made based on your interest.
The Guidance Department will be scheduling the IGP meetings for 8th graders. You will receive a letter in the
mail over the next few of months which will have a scheduled appointment time. This meeting will allow your
student to choose a cluster of study. This plan can be changed and will be re-visited each year during registration. If you have a conflict or unable to attend the assigned appointment time, please contact Allison Redick at
803-476-3668 or email at aredick@lexrich5.org.

Tips for Parents

In helping your child
chose a Career path:
Start young. Develop career awareness by discussing career opportunities when reading books and
newspapers, watching television and observing
worksites.
Support you childs efforts to assess his or her own
interests, aptitudes, values and work styles.
Share your job experiences. A child delights in hearing about his or her parents jobs.
Encourage participation in job shadowing and internship opportunities.
Help your child understand the value and importance of his or her academic courses for success in a future
career.
6. Advise your child that there is more than one education pathway to a good job. More than 50% of the fastest growing jobs require an associates degree. There are a variety of routes to success: on the job training,
technical college, four year college, apprenticeships or the military.