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Your Weekly News and Events
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Principal Shares Academic Vision At IPA Open House
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Dr. Charcia Nichols, principal of Ivy Preparatory Academy Kirkwood School For Girls, told parents at Open House recently that administrators will get tough on school attendance to ensure that scholars are coming to school regularly, and on time for important instruction.
Dr. Nichols said that habitual absenteeism counts against student performance and school efficiency scores on the state’s College and Career Readiness Performance Index. The state Department of Education mandates that schools report missed days for students who are absent for six days or more. In the first few weeks of school, more than 150 scholars at IPA Kirkwood were checked out of classes; more than 200 were late, the principal said.
“After the first three absences, you will get a phone call from your teacher,” Dr. Nichols said. “Then, on that fourth one, you are going to get a letter to let you know that you are about to hit six.
“At six absences, we ask you to come in and develop a plan,” she added.” If that doesn’t work, it’s a truancy referral. I have to be honest with you, we have to do this. We have got to all be accountable. I don’t want anyone saying, ‘My child failed class.’ And I look, and they’ve got 20 absences. Please make sure our babies are here.”
Dr. Nichols has high expectations for scholars and staff. She announced an aggressive plan to increase the number of students who test at the proficient and distinguished levels on the state exams.
"We will have an urgent focus on student achievement," she said. "We have practically a brand new staff at Ivy. We have professional development for teachers every Wednesday. The expectations are that teachers are supposed to teach and students are supposed to learn. Administrators are expected to lead, and parents are expected to be involved."
The principal said that she needs parents to bring their scholars to school, and make sure that they are on time to help make this a successful academic year. "Remember, 8 a.m. is late," she said.
IPA Kirkwood has a "continuous improvement" plan that focuses on strategic organization management, culture and climate, and student achievement. The principal said that she needs parents to bring their scholars to school, and make sure that they are on time to help make this a successful academic year. IPA Kirkwood has launched a new curriculum that teaches state and national student performance standards. It is linked to standardized assessments.
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The school purchased new testing software that allows teachers to use their smartphones to instantly score Scantron Bubblesheets filled in by scholars.
“It is real-time data,” Dr. Nichols said. “You don’t have to wait, and the teachers don’t have to wait. It grades it already. ”
Teachers also will be training to deliver a positive discipline program that reinforces good behavior. Students and teachers will be recognized with gift cards for outstanding achievement in teaching and learning. “We want to recognize them and encourage them to continue the good work."
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Ivy Preparatory Academies will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5. in observance of Labor Day.
Scholars return to classes on Tuesday, Sept. 6, in professional attire.
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Grandparents To Receive VIP Treatment At IPA Event
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Our Grandparents’ breakfast, "Green Eggs and Ham!" will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 8:30 a.m. The event is being organized to thank grandparents for the love and support that they show for our scholars.
Admission is $6 per person. Please pay Ms. McCree in the Parent Center.
The festivities will include food, fun, and a program for our VIP guests.
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IPA Governing Board
Takes Action
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The Governing Board of Ivy Preparatory Academies met recently to discuss pending business for the Gwinnett and DeKalb campuses.
The board unanimously approved the 2016-17 budget for the free after school 21st Century Learning STEM program at IPA Kirkwood. The program, in it's fourth year, is funded by a $350,000 grant.
In other business, Ms. Alisha Morgan, executive director of IPA, told the board that the upgrade of the cafeteria at IPA Gwinnett was a success. She said that the kitchen improvements passed inspection by the health department with a score of "100 percent," which is better than many restaurants.
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Join Emory U's Club
for Junior "Mathletes"
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Emory University wants kids to find the fun in math. Two upcoming programs presented by Emory Math Circle will allow metro area students to explore math concepts beyond the classroom.
Julia Robinson Math Festival, Saturday, Sept. 10, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 work on math problems and puzzles at their own pace for their own pleasure. Mathematicians will give support as needed. Advanced registration is required. To register, click the link below:
Registration
Math Circle for students in grades 6-12 will meet weekly on Saturdays, beginning Sept. 17. Students attend meetings to ponder math concepts. Registration is open until Sept. 6. To register, follow the link below:
Registration
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National Geographic Kids
To Award Prizes For Great Photos By Students
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Selfie-taking students can win a family trip to the Galapagos Islands and other prizes in the annual International Photography Contest for Kids sponsored by National Geographic.
Student photographers between the ages of 6 to 14 can submit original photos in the following categories: Amazing Animals, photos of pets, zoo animals, or wild animals; Dare to Explore, photos of outdoor scenery; Weird But True, photos that capture something odd or funny; and Wild Vacation, photos taken during vacation travels, including pictures of landmarks, monuments, celebrations or festivals, food, etc.
Entries are being accepted through Oct. 15. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by Oct. 15 and received by Oct. 22. Online entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on Oct. 15. Entries will not be returned or acknowledged.
For more information on how to enter the contest, click below:
natgeokids.com/photo-contest
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To submit an online entry: Online entries must be submitted with the permission and email of the child's parent or legal guardian.
To submit a print: Complete an entry form for each photograph submitted. Mail each completed entry form, along with each photograph to: International Photo Contest, NG Kids / KB, 1145 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036. Entries must include a signature from a parent or legal guardian to be valid.
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Spread The Word: IPA Is Still Enrolling!
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Do you have any friends or family who are dissatisfied with their local public schools? Tell them about your experience at Ivy Preparatory Academies.
IPA is Georgia’s first public charter school for girls. We serve more than 500 scholars in metro Atlanta. Our flagship campus at 3705 Engineering Drive in Peachtree Corners educates scholars in grades 6-8 who are eligible to attend Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb County Schools. Ivy Prep’s DeKalb County campus in Atlanta at 1807 Memorial Drive serves scholars in grades K-8 who are eligible to attend DeKalb and Atlanta Public Schools.
Ivy Scholars are encouraged to believe in themselves, achieve academic standards, and succeed at school. IPA sets high expectations for each student and provides them with individualized learning plans and an atmosphere in which they can develop intellectually. IPA has extended days of learning and an extended school year. Scholars are challenged with a college preparatory curriculum that features daily double doses of language arts and math classes, and an accelerated academic program for advanced learners.
For more information about Ivy Prep Academies, visit ivyprepacademy.org or call 404-622-2727 or 770-342-0089.
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Family Health And Fitness Day To Be Held Sept. 24
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Ivy Preparatory Academies
will host Family Health and Fitness Day from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 24.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the event, which is part of a yearlong campaign to promote wellness for parents, scholars, and faculty.
“We want students to have access to healthy foods throughout the day as part of our Wellness Strategy,” said LaTanya Crooms, school nutrition manager, “We will promote physical activity and healthy eating habits for students and staff.”
IPA Kirkwood has a "continuous improvement" plan that focuses on strategic organization management, culture and climate, and student achievement. The principal said that she needs parents to bring their scholars to school, and make sure that they are on time to help make this a successful academic year.
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To volunteer for Family Health and Fitness Day, contact lcrooms@ivyprepacademy.org.
For more information on the IPA network Wellness Strategy, follow the link below.
Click the link below for school menus for September:
Breakfast
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Vendor Offers Commute Alternative For Scholars
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Empire Transportation of Lawrenceville is offering discounted rates to Ivy Prep Academy families who contract with its service.
The vendor, screened by the PTSA, is a state-licensed transportation company serving metro Atlanta students in two dozen schools. The firm shuttles students to 21 public and private schools in Gwinnett and three other campuses in metro Atlanta. Empire has been in business for more than four years.
Empire officials said they are eager to add IPA families to their routes. "We believe in Ivy Prep's mission and its work to improve the education of girls and get them focused on college, " said Rayfiette Zeigler, administrative assistant at Empire. "We are happy to provide transportation services for Ivy Prep students so that more will be able to take advantage of an Ivy Prep education."
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Monthly rates for Ivy Prep are the following:
Lawrenceville/Snellville Home-to-School Service: $120 one-way and $200 round-trip.
Lawrenceville/Snellville Centralized Bus Stop: $100 one-way and $175 round-trip.
Loganville:
$130 one-way and $250 round-trip
DeKalb County:
Call for quotes.
For more information, contact Ms. Zeigler at empiretransport2014@gmail.com or call 770-310-4138.
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A Word From Our Principal
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Dr. Charcia Nichols, a veteran educator with more than 21 years of experience, has been hired as the new principal of Ivy Preparatory Academy Kirkwood School for Girls. Nichols
i
s an accomplished teacher and administrative leader.
IPA Executive Director Alisha Morgan said Dr. Nichols “has the vision, experience, determination, and professional network” to make IPA Kirkwood one of the top school for girls in Atlanta.
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It is so hard to get up sometimes at 4:30 a.m. when you don’t go to bed until 11 p.m. the night before.
I hit snooze about three times, and before long it’s 5 a.m. I have 30 minutes to feed the dog, fix my breakfast, fix our lunch, get my son up and drop him off at my mom’s.
Although I get to school by 7 a.m., my goal is to be here by 6:45 am. At 7 a.m., I think I am tardy. As I reflect, I have the TARDY TENDENCY. I do things in the morning that could be done the day before. When I realize I’m tardy, I stress out, drive fast, and put myself danger. I must stop the TARDY TENDENCY.
As a parent, think about your daily routine in the morning. Here are a few things for you to think about to avoid the TARDY TENDENCY:
- Don't go to bed until all is ready. Leave ONLY what is necessary to do in the morning for the morning. Do the rest the afternoon/evening before. Do not leave it all to do right before bed as that delays bed time and people are tired and crabby then. Example: Everyone's clothing should be laid out (yes, even high school kids and adults!) Backpack/jacket/shoes by the door. Breakfast dishes/food should be waiting on the table. All forms, homework, etc. should be in the backpack. School lunches should be made.
- Set two alarms. Be sure at least one is battery powered in case the electricity goes out. Set one right beside your bed and a noisier alarm far away, so you have to get up to shut it off. Every child should have their own. (Give everyone 15 minutes more time than you think they need.)
- Establish routine and do not deviate from it. Sharing a bathroom? Establish a schedule.
- Be calm. Use a quiet voice. Expect the same of children. If your routine needs to be altered, or if you are running late, make sure you have breakfast you can eat on-the-go like granola bars, bananas, and small boxes of cereals.
- Be realistic. Life happens. No one is perfect. We are all late sometimes. Do the best you can and move on, but do not assume that it doesn't matter that your child is late for school. Every minute of learning counts. You're helping yourself and your child gain control and be independent and organized when you are on time.
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IPA Kirkwood Teachers,
Families
Enjoy Open House Activities
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Grade: Sixth grader.
Favorite subject:
Reading and social studies.
In social studies, I get to learn about the past. I love reading because I get to learn new things.
Future goals:
I am planning to be a lawyer. I want to attend either Georgia Tech, Valdosta State, or Harvard University. I like the law.
Why did I choose Ivy Prep:
I think it’s a good school. The teachers are good. There are a lot of new students. I am making new friends.
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Free & Reduced Price Lunch Assistance Available
Ivy Preparatory Academies provides free and discounted meals to scholars whose families meet federal income guidelines for the school meal assistance program. All families must reapply for the Free & Reduced Lunch program each year.
For more information on IPA’s breakfast and lunch program, contact Ms. LaTanya Crooms, School Nutrition Program Manager, at lcrooms@ivyprepacademy.org.
Lunch Application
Sign Up For Text Notifications
Please sign up for Remind 101 to receive school text messages. Text the message @fbach to 678-562-1105.
Enroll In After School STEM Program
Our 21st Century Learning STEM Program will be accepting additional applications starting Sept. 1. The free program is held after school. Scholars report to the gym at 3:45 p.m. to research, explore, and create projects involving mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Frazier at rfrazier@ivyprepacademy.org.
Please Respect Classroom Time For Arrival And Meetings With Teachers
Instructional time is a valued part of our school. Remember, arriving at 8 a.m. is late. Please make sure your scholar is in class before 8 a.m. each day. We want to make sure we are meeting our school goals for the year.
We are asking that you schedule appointments with the teachers after hours. Teachers are on duty from 7:30 a.m. - 7:55 a.m. and will not be in their classrooms. They may have meetings scheduled in the afternoon, so please contact them via email or through Remind 101 to schedule a conference.
Support Our Book Fair
Our Scholastic Book Fair will be Sept. 12-16. We are looking for volunteers. Please email ivyprepgirlsPLO@gmail.com for more details.
Remember Spirit Fridays
Every Friday is a spirit day. Scholars can pay $1 to wear jeans and a spirit shirt or college shirt. Scholars should pay the fee to their homeroom teacher.
Before And After Care Applications
Contact the front office for before and after care applications.
Gently Used Uniform Sale At Discounted Prices
Parent liaison Jeannie McCree is selling gently used uniform pieces. Limited sizes are available. For more information, contact jmcree@ivyprepacademy.org.
Please Follow Guidelines For School Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Parents should drop scholars off in the back of the building for arrival. Dismissal is done in the front of the school starting with car riders first. Walk-ups will begin at 4:15 p.m. Please help make this process seamless. We are counting on you to help us to ensure the safety of every child.
Monday Folders
Please review your scholar's Monday folder for important information provided by teachers and IPA administrators.
State Student Art Competition Accepting Entries in September
IPA scholars can show off their creative talents at the annual Reflections Art Competition sponsored by the Georgia PTA. Scholars can enter original paintings, drawings, sculpture, and creative essays. The theme of this year's Reflection Competition is "What is Your Story?"
All winning entries at the local school level will be sent to the Area Council of PTAs where they will compete against entries from area school districts. The Area Council winners will then move on to the state level. Winners at the state level will be featured in a state exhibit and be entered in the National PTA Reflections Competition. National winners will be invited to participate in the 2017 Reflections Awards Banquet at the National PTA Convention in Las Vegas.
Ivy Prep Kirkwood Needs Volunteers
We need parent volunteers to help support teaching and learning. Volunteers must have a background check on file with IPA. Sign up with Ms. McCree, our Parent Engagement Specialist. Please come volunteer and help our staff.
Lunch Expectations
Due to regulations associated with our government funding, scholars are not allowed to have bags, drink cups, or containers that have a fast food logo in Ivy Cafe. We appreciate your help in this matter.
Monthly Governing Board Committee Meeting Schedule
Parents are encouraged to attend and participate in IPA Governing Board Committee meetings. The following is the meeting schedule for the 2016-17 school year:
Academic Committee, 4th Thursday, IPA Kirkwood, 5 p.m.
Family Engagement, 1st Thursday, IPA Kirkwood, 6 p.m.
Finance Committee, 1st Friday, IPA Kirkwood, 9:30 a.m.
Governance Committee, 4th Tuesday, IPA Kirkwood, 5:30 p.m.
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Ivy Preparatory Academy Kirkwood School For Girls | 1807 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
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404-622-2727 | ivyprepacademy.org
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Believe. Achieve. Succeed.
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