James Irwin Charter Schools News and Announcements » News http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog News and Announcements for James Irwin Charter Schools Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:00:25 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2 Health Guidelines http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/health-guidelines/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/health-guidelines/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:48:40 +0000 Miss Rice, EMT http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=684 Dear Parents,
Our Priority is to keep your children healthy and in school. One way that we can all work together to do this is to prevent the spread of illnesses. If your child is not feeling their best, please use the following guidelines to determine whether or not they should be in school.

Illness or Symptom When To Keep Your Student At Home When Your Student Should Return To School
Fever A temperature of 101 or greater. (American Pediatrics Association) When your student is fever free for 24 hours without medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin)
Cough Frequent or uncontrollable, producing mucous or fever Infrequent, no mucous is being coughed up and/or student has been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours or no fever for 24 hours without medication.
Diarrhea or Vomiting More than one occurrence in a 24 hour period. If the student has had a recent head injury or if student has additional symptoms such as a fever. Allow 24 hours to pass since last incident before returning to school.
Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever Sore throat that is suspicious for Strep (i.e. the student has frequent bouts of Strep or a friend/sibling has recently had Strep) or fever (some children do not always have a fever with Strep). The only way to confirm that someone has Strep is with a throat culture. After 24 hours of antibiotics.
Runny Nose Cloudy or yellow/green discharge with congestion or a fever. Clear drainage as with allergies and no fever.
Rash If cause if unknown. Rash free or with written permission from medical care provider.
“Pink Eye” Conjunctivitis Eye is red, swollen, itching, crusty or white/yellow drainage is occurring. After 24 hours of antibiotics.
Chicken Pox Itching pink/red spots with blister type center, fever. Lesions crusted over and dry, no fever for 24 hours.
Head Lice Nits or Lice present on initial inspection. Refer to Lice guidelines from a medical care provider. Student may return to school 24 hours after being treated with an acceptable over the counter or prescription LICE.
]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/health-guidelines/feed/ 0 Calling Board Volunteers! http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/calling-board-volunteers/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/calling-board-volunteers/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:56:26 +0000 Jonathan Berg, CEO http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=674 The James Irwin Board of Directors is accepting letters of interest from persons who would like to serve on the James Irwin Board of Directors

There are currently 4 parent positions open and 2 community (El Paso County resident) positions.
 The qualifications required for a member of the Board are as follows:

  1. Candidates must agree to take the CDE on-line course for Member of a School Board.
  2. Candidates must read the following foundation materials:
    1. Policy Governance in a Nutshell.
    2. Overview of JICS.
    3. Historical overview of JICS.
  3. Candidates must attend a Policy Governance orientation session.
  4. Candidates must be able to commit to attending one board meeting per month for 10 months, and one board working session per month for 10 months.
  5. Candidates may not be current James Irwin employees or a family member of current employees.
  6. Candidates may not have been an employee or family member of an employee who was employed by James Irwin during the previous twelve month period.
  7. Candidates must authorize James Irwin Schools to do a criminal background check.

If you are interested in running for the Board, please submit your resume and a two paragraph bio that includes the following:

  1. What is your relationship to James Irwin Charter Schools?  If you are a parent, which school(s) do your children attend?
  2. What interests you about serving on the Board?
  3. If elected, what particular skills and strengths would you bring to the Board?

The deadline for submitting these documents is Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.

Please send your resume and short bio to the Board in care of Jonathan Berg, CEO at: jonathan.berg@jamesirwin.org

If there are more nominees than openings, an election will be held.  Candidate bio’s and ballots will be mailed to James Irwin parents on September 26, 2011. Ballots will be due the week of October 1 through October 7.  Ballots may be mailed to James Irwin, or dropped in a ballet box that will be in each school front office.  Ballots must be received by October 7, 2011 at 4:00, or post marked no later than October 7, 2011.

Of the four parent (or legal guardian) nominees, the top two will be elected to four year terms while the third and fourth place candidates will be elected to fill two year terms.  Likewise, the top community nominee will be elected to a four year term while the runner up will serve a two year term.

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/calling-board-volunteers/feed/ 0 Check Out JICHS on FOX 21′s Loud & Proud http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/check-out-jichs-on-fox-21s-loud-proud/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/check-out-jichs-on-fox-21s-loud-proud/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:36:33 +0000 Mr. Marquez, HS Principal http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=655 James Irwin Charter High School was featured on FOX 21′s Loud & Proud on September 8, 2011. Watch the video on the JICHS Facebook page or YouTube Channel.

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/09/check-out-jichs-on-fox-21s-loud-proud/feed/ 0 JICHS one of America’s top high schools AGAIN! http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/05/jichs-one-of-americas-top-high-schools-again/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/05/jichs-one-of-americas-top-high-schools-again/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 15:57:40 +0000 Mr. Marquez, HS Principal http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=591 The “America’s Top High Schools” article was released this morning. It has been moved from Newsweek to The Washington Post this year. JICHS made the list once again!

http://washingtonpost.com/highschoolchallenge

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/05/jichs-one-of-americas-top-high-schools-again/feed/ 0 JICHS Receives the John Irwin School of Excellence Award http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/04/jichs-receives-the-john-irwin-school-of-excellence-award/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/04/jichs-receives-the-john-irwin-school-of-excellence-award/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:33:54 +0000 Mr. Marquez, HS Principal http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=547 Congratulations to the James Irwin Charter High School community! We have again received the John Irwin School of Excellence Award for 2010. This prestigious award recognizes the top 8% of public schools in Colorado that demonstrate the highest achievement on statewide assessments. This is a tremendous honor and blessing! Great work making it happen faculty, staff, students and parents…you are the BEST!

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/04/jichs-receives-the-john-irwin-school-of-excellence-award/feed/ 0 Are you wondering how to pay for college?! http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/are-you-wondering-how-to-pay-for-college/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/are-you-wondering-how-to-pay-for-college/#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:23:28 +0000 Webmaster http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=540 Do You Have A High School Student who will be going to College?

Are You Asking “How Are We Going To Pay for This?”

If you are the parent of high school student who is planning to attend a four-year state college or private university, you must attend this free workshop.

Come learn the insiders’ secrets to send your student to the schools you never thought you could afford… Until Now!

Topics Include:

  • Which assets are taken into consideration when the U.S. Department of Education calculates your Expected Family Contribution.
  • How to lower your “out-of-pocket” costs and get the maximum amount of money from each school.
  • How to pay for college in a failing economy without relying on 529 plans, expensive private student loans or raiding your retirement accounts.
  • How to pick colleges that will give you the best financial aid packages.
  • How to send your child to an expensive private university for less than the cost of a state school.
  • How to get ahead by developing a customized plan to meet all the college costs you will incur as a family.
  • How to increase your tax deductions and tax credits

This class will be taught by Barbara Swiatek, a well informed financial educator. This is not an investment seminar. This workshop will help you learn about the issues college funding presents for families. No products will be sold, just useful information which can help you safeguard your future. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of the nation’s most knowledgeable speakers on paying for college.
Note, this workshop is 100% free, but is limited by the size of the room, so reserve your seats now!

Day: Monday April 11, 2011

Time: 6:30pm

Where: James Irwin Charter Middle School Carpeted Room

How can you possibly think of missing this? CALL 719-593-1552 or visit www.CollegePlanningofColorado.com to reserve your seat NOW!

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/are-you-wondering-how-to-pay-for-college/feed/ 0 Mastery: It’s Being Done. http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/mastery-its-being-done/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/mastery-its-being-done/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:50:13 +0000 Webmaster http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=534 Our very structured teacher training/coaching system also includes expectations of strong positive feedback of teachers for each individual student (praise with the student’s name and explicit mention of what he/she did well). Students get to hear how they did something well extolled as an example for others. Read more here: http://www.educationnews.org/commentaries/opinions_on_education/107875.html

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/mastery-its-being-done/feed/ 0 Is Retention Linked to Achievement? http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/is-retention-linked-to-achievement/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/is-retention-linked-to-achievement/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:56:52 +0000 Webmaster http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=526 At James Irwin, we feel students do their best work when the instruction is just a bit above their mastery level so they gain confidence to move to the next step. Read more on The Gazette’s website: http://www.gazette.com/articles/happy-114827-5th-stites.html

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/03/is-retention-linked-to-achievement/feed/ 0 CSAPs Are Coming. Will You Be Ready? http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/02/csaps-are-coming-will-you-be-ready-2/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/02/csaps-are-coming-will-you-be-ready-2/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:58:52 +0000 Webmaster http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=513 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 7th – *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. 8th and 10th Grade students will be able to eat a district lunch at 12:30 if they wish.
March 8th, 9th, & 10th for grades 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 – all students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. District Lunches will be served after dismissal.
Friday, March 11th is a regular school day.

Elementary School

February 23rd -24th – 3rd Grade Reading
March 7th – 18th – 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 15th. Dismissal on the 15th 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 the 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

Terena Fox
Assessment Coordinator
James Irwin Charter Elementary School

]]> http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/02/csaps-are-coming-will-you-be-ready-2/feed/ 0 Free Parent Morning at Colorado Charter Schools Conference http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/02/free-parent-morning-at-colorado-charter-schools-conference/ http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/2011/02/free-parent-morning-at-colorado-charter-schools-conference/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:48:41 +0000 Webmaster http://www.jamesirwin.org/blog/?p=499 The Colorado League of Charter Schools is excited to offer parents a FREE, half-day admission to the 17th Annual Colorado Charter School Conference (a $100 value)! Meals not included. Friday, February 18, 2011 9:00am-12:15pm Omni Interlocken Resort, Broomfield. Register here: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=910489

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