IPSF Insights - April 2016 Edition

IRVINE CUBESAT STEM PROGRAM IS A GO!

The high school space race is officially on! Teams of students at Irvine's six public high schools- Irvine, University, Woodbridge, Northwood, Portola and Beckman - have joined forces with industry partners and experts to assemble, test and launch a CubeSat (nano-satellite) into low Earth orbit with the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program.

IPSF is proud to be one of the program's founding partners, providing initial funding to get the launch off the ground. We hope to spur investment from other public and private organizations in Irvine CubeSat and are seeking partners to expand the program.

The project is the first of its kind on the West Coast and, if successful, would be the first high school program in the U.S. to launch an operational CubeSat into orbit. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers and create opportunities for under-represented groups in STEM-related fields, including girls and minorities.

Our students are truly paving the way in STEM learning in Irvine and beyond- and they are already making headlines! Check out these recent features in the Orange County Register, ABC7 News, Irvine News Blog and Daily Pilot!

IPSF SUMMER

PROGRAMS

Summer Enrichment Academy K-12 registration is NOW OPEN- and classes are filling up fast! Students can enjoy the summer having fun and exploring in an educational setting through a variety of exciting classes in subjects including STEAM, grade level prep, programming, performing arts, sports, and much more!

For more information about the schedules, to review the SEA K-8 and High School Academic Camps catalogs, and to register, visit.

TEACHER GRANT RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to all the recipients of this year's teacher grant awards (ITAP/ICAP/MITAP)! This year, IPSF will fund 16 projects to 31 teachers and counselors at 15 schools for a total donation of $130,819. Over 4,000 students will benefit next year alone-and many more in these classrooms for years to come.

ITAP grants provide teachers with resources to promote innovation in their classrooms and create new learning opportunities for students. Over the last 20 years, IPSF has awarded more than $1 million in grants to teachers. Thank you for your support of PATS, which makes these grants possible!

SCHOLARSHIPS DEADLINE APRIL 8

Do you know an exceptional high school senior who is planning on attending college in the fall? IPSF offers two annual scholarship programs, the Kevin Armstrong Memorial Scholarship and Lee Bryn Brooks Community Service Scholarship, open to graduating seniors planning to pursue post-secondary education with an emphasis on demonstrated leadership and community service in Orange County.

The deadline to submit is April 8. To download the applications for these two scholarship opportunities, visit.

ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT- ORDER YOUR PATS TODAY!

The deadline to order Parents Appreciating Teachers & Staff (PATS) is Friday, April 15. Show your teachers and other IUSD staff how much you and your child appreciate all they do and the impact they have made in your child's life by ordering your PATS today at www.ipsf.net/pats!

Teachers and staff will enjoy receiving a recognition certificate of appreciation, your personal message, and a special gift expressing your thanks during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May!

PATS donations directly support IPSF's Innovative Teaching & Counseling Award Programs (ITAP/ICAP). Since 1996, IPSF has awarded OVER $1 million to teachers and counselors, benefiting over 100,000 students since the program's inception!

Thank you to all the wonderful parents who have already ordered their PATS! Please help us #SparkTheGood by sharing the postcard below on your social media channels to inspire your fellow parents to show their support of our incredible teachers and staff.

STEAM CARNIVAL TICKETS

Tickets for the 2nd Annual STEAM Carnival are on sale now! Enjoy a fun-filled day discovering, experimenting, and playing as a family with a number of STEAM activities, interactive booths, contests, music, collaborative projects, food, art exhibits, crafts and so much more!

The STEAM Carnival will take place Saturday, April 30 at The Market Place, Edwards Theater Courtyard from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Tickets are $4 online presale and $5 at the door. The first 350 attendees will also receive a limited edition tote bag.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

AT WELLS FARGO

IPSF would like to thank our partners at Wells Fargo for their generous donation of $10,000 at the Los Olivos Marketplace grand opening. We are extremely grateful for our long standing partnership with Wells Fargo and applaud their leadership and dedication in giving back to local communities. Together, we are ensuring that the students of Irvine receive a world-class education.

What better time than April, National Financial Literacy Month, to talk to your children about saving. Check out 4 Things Parents can do to Prepare Kids for Financial Success for tips on getting started from our own IPSF Board of Trustees member and Wells Fargo District Manager, Danny Chang.