Dear Parents/Guardians,

I wanted to make you aware of a great opportunity for your student that is right in our own “back yard.” Students age 12-18 may become a member of Civil Air Patrol, which in turn can serve to prepare them for future college and career opportunities. Please read the information below and on the attached sheet to determine if this is something you want to learn more about or to visit to find out if your student would like to join.

Civil Air Patrol

CAP is the volunteer, non-profit auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Its three missions are to develop its cadets, educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and perform life-saving humanitarian rescue missions.

Through their experiences as CAP cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens and become tomorrow’s aerospace leaders. The leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline cadets gain through CAP prepares them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life.

To fulfill its goal of developing young people into responsible citizens and aerospace leaders, the Cadet Program is developed around five program elements: Leadership, Character Development, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness, and Activities. As cadets participate in these five elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.

The local squadron meets on Peterson Air Force Base on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:00 p.m. each week. About once per month there is also a Saturday meeting for squadron activities. Cost is minimal with a one- time $15 registration fee and a yearly membership renewal of $37 (Just $52 to get started which includes a free dress blues uniform). Students will also wear BDUs to meetings twice a month and have Physical Training one time per month.

We will be having a CAP assembly at school during the upcoming months and will inform you of the date/time via the school website and upcoming newsletters. In the meantime, I encourage you to call or email Rex Jakeman (719-332-6197 or rexjakeman@mac.com) , the CAP recruiter for the Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron, who will be more than willing to answer any additional questions you may have. Also, please visit the website at www.coloradowingcap.org .  Click on “Find a Colorado Squadron” in the box on the left side of the web page. Next, click on “Group 3” in the Site Navigation Box, and “Colorado Springs Cadet” in the Site Navigation Box in the new window.

If your student has goals of attending a military service academy, majoring in science, aerospace technology, computer science, or just desires to become more disciplined and better prepared for adult life, CAP should be something you consider seriously.

Saturday, March 13 1:00-3:00PM
HS Café
Fashion Show/ Special Guest Speaker/Author  Donna Wilcox
$5.00/Ticket
On sale at HS Front Desk
Seating is limited- Get your tickets today

Monday, March 15, 6:30-8:00PM
MS Board Room
Register for materials online by March 8
www.advisors.colorado.wrfa.com
All James Irwin families and friends are encouraged to attend

The CSAP tests are coming! Will you be ready?

CSAP is the Colorado Student Assessment Program. CSAP scores are one measure used to assess your child’s performance toward state standards. CSAP helps us identify your child’s learning needs so that we can tailor instruction to ensure that every child is reaching the state standards.

When are the CSAP tests given?

Middle/High Schools

Monday, March 8th – *8th Grade and 10th Grade students will take the Science CSAP and will be dismissed for the day at 12:30 p.m. All other students will have a regular school day.
March 9th, 10th, & 11th for grades 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 – all students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
Friday, March 12th is a regular school day.

Elementary School

February 17 -18 – 3rd Grade Reading
March 8 – 18 – 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will be taking Math, Reading, Writing, and Science Tests at various times throughout the day. The March schedule will be in the JICES March Newsletter sent home the end of February.

In Case of Inclement Weather

Middle/High Schools

If there is a two hour delay, please bring your student to school at 9:45 a.m. This will move dismissal time to 2:30 p.m.
If we miss an entire day, we will make it up on Tuesday, March 16th. Dismissal on Tuesday would be at 12:30 p.m.

Elementary School

If there is a two hour delay, please bring your student to school at 9:45 a.m. Dismissal will be at normal 3:30 time.

How can I help my child prepare for CSAP tests?

• Make sure your child arrives at school on time.
  • Students need to be here prior to 7:45 a.m. for testing to begin on time. Once testing has begun, students who are late must test in a separate classroom for the entire day.
  • Additionally, once CSAP testing has begun, students will not be excused for any reason including doctor’s appointments. This is a required test by law and students must be present during the testing window.
• Make sure your child gets a good rest the night before each test day.
  • Children who are tired are less able to pay attention or to handle the demands of the tests.
• Feed your child a nourishing breakfast on the morning of the test.
  • Hunger can detract from good test performance.
• Make sure your student has a calm, unhurried morning.
  • Get him/her up early enough so that he/she doesn’t have to rush to get to school.
  • Tell your child that you believe that he/she can do well and succeed in school.
  • Offer praise and encouragement for achievement and improvement.
  • Have a positive attitude about the test and encourage your student to do his/her best.

(Tips adapted from the CDE CSAP Guide for Parents) Thank you for your help and support!

CAN YOU HELP?

Would you be willing to donate a box of snacks for the students to have during their breaks during CSAPs? If you are able to donate, here is a list of suggestions.

• Granola Bars – chewy
• Cereal Bars
• Cheese & Crackers
• Pretzels
• Trail Mix (without peanuts)
• Raisins

Because of peanut allergies, please do not include anything that contains peanuts or peanut butter.

All items must be individually wrapped and purchased from a store. We will not be able to accept any homemade items. Please bring all donations to the Middle School, High School or Elementary front offices. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Jane E. Olk
Assessment Coordinator
James Irwin Charter Middle/High School

Nancy Cooper
Assessment Coordinator
James Irwin Charter Elementary School

There will be a mandatory parent meeting for parents of all current 5th and 8th grade students on February 23, 2010.  8th grade parents will meet in the High School Field House at 6:00.  This meeting will go over important information for students entering high school next fall.  8th grade students will be receiving their course selection sheets for next year at the meeting.  The 5th grade parents will meet in the board room at 7:00.  This meeting will go over important information for students entering middle school next fall.

Free Parent Day at Colorado Charter Schools Conference

Free Parent Day – Colorado Charter Schools Conference
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sheraton Denver Hotel, Downtown Denver

Join charter school parents from across the state for a free full-day at the Colorado Charter Schools Conference (cost of lunch and parking not included). Feel free to join us for the entire day — or for just a portion of the day – whatever is most convenient for you!
8:00-9:00AM – Registration and Breakfast (no cost)
Hear from Colorado State Legislators about the 2010 legislative session and what’s at stake for charter schools.
9:00-11:30AM – Visit the State Capitol (no cost)
Meet with your school’s elected officials and educate them about the importance of charter schools and school choice (we will set up the meeting and provide all the talking points).
12:00-1:45PM – Enjoy a Networking Luncheon (cost of lunch $35)
After your visit to the Capitol, hear from education policy and movement leaders while networking with hundreds of charter school parents, administrators, board members and other supporters at our networking luncheon.
2:00-5:30PM – Attend Breakout Sessions Designed for Parents/Taught by Parents (No cost)
Spend the afternoon learning from other parents and charter school supporters about important topics such as:
-Clearing up public misperceptions about charter schools.
-Advocating for charter schools in the local government and media.
-Getting involved in your school to help your child succeed.
Register today at http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=797359(be sure to select “Parent Involvement Workshop” when registering.
Questions? Contact Stacy Rivera at 303-989-5356, ext. 112 or srivera@coloradoleague.org or visit www.coloradoleague.org/charterconference.

Due to the current weather conditions and the safety of your student, ALL after school activities for James Irwin Charter Schools have been cancelled for this evening, including Sports, Music, Homework Help Club, and Academic Detentions.   Please ensure that your child is picked up at their usual dismissal time.

All day Wednesday, January 27, February 24 and March 31 James Irwin will receive 15% of the proceeds from the receipts given back to Chick-fil-A. Dine in, drive thru, catering or even gift card purchases on those days; just tell them it’s for James Irwin or put the receipt in the box inside and we will get 15% of the proceeds.

James Irwin Charter Elementary School student Macaylah LeBlanc, makes the Gazette’s “Great Kids” list for her work to create the ‘Operating Blanket’ program. Read more on the Gazette website: http://www.gazette.com/articles/leblanc-92307-macaylah-nominated.html

The candidate should be prepared to teach economics across the spectrum from basic supply and demand to fiscal and monetary impacts on aggregate supply and aggregate demand. The candidate must also be prepared to teach American government including the constitutional foundations and modern functions of our democratic republic including civil liberties, civil rights, elections and the three branches of government. Read the full description and how to apply