I'd like to take a moment to thank you for your support and flexibility in making this the best school opening I can remember. Our students are already thriving in our new building and what has become normal to them is continuing to serve as a reminder of how far we've already come this year. I have included important information about arrival/dismissal and end of year testing in this message. Additionally, please read ahead for information about what is happening in our classes over the next two weeks.
If you are new to our community, I'd like to thank you for bearing with us as we get a handle on our yearly arrival and dismissal procedures. Those who have been with us for a while know that we will get better at the process every day and hopefully dial in a system that will become permanent for years to come. We truly appreciate your smiles and cooperation in following our direction during that hectic part of the day.
We do know that arrival can be frustrating. Parents who are arriving between 7:10-7:30 are getting through the arrival line in a minute or less. Please consider avoiding the time of morning when things become most congested, 7:30-7:45 if you would like to get on with your day more quickly!
Since school has started I've seen some amazing lessons taking place in my time around the building from AP Calculus color coding their work all over the white board, Advanced PE utilizing our indoor space to do healthy workouts, our OCS students earning hours toward their internship by taking care of our school, our science lab getting use, judging complex sentences for an English class, watching our students play basketball after lunch, hearing our students use the Spanish they are learning understanding about the domestication of animals, and so much more. This building has given us the space and resources we need to make amazing educational experiences for our deserving Champions.
Although our year has just begun, please be aware that our state exams will be during our last week of the school year. Every class your child takes in high school for a credit has an exam that is worth 20% of their overall grade. We will not be able to accommodate giving tests early to students who are not at school. Although we have honored some requests in the past, we will no longer be able to do so and feel our calendar change should allow for most students to have access to more camps offered during the last part of June. Please make arrangements now to be in town and at school during the last ten days of our school year. Not only is it important for students to be in class as often as possible, but they will chance missing an exam if they are not here and will likely have to repeat the course, as a result. Thank you for your understanding in this important matter.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached via email at nicolemorin@icimagine.org.
Nicole Morin
Upper School Principal
IC Imagine
Our Spirit Wear Shop is Open!
Orders will be accepted through September 7th at 11pm with delivery to Champions the week of September 23rd in time for our first Early Release on September 27th!
Students can wear spirit wear hoodies or 1/4 zip shirts as part of their daily uniform. T-shirts can only be worn on designated days or when receiving a reward through PBIS etc. Many students have asked about purchasing hoodies and this order will only be open through 9.7 so please plan accordingly!
Headphones and phones are NOT allowed in any visible way during the school day unless a teacher has given specific permission during their class or during our Recharge time. This includes before school, between classes, and in the hallways.
Headphones and phones ARE allowed during dismissal. Students not following these expectations will be receiving disciplinary consequences.
PBIS Information
We are in need of donated gift cards for prizes. $5 and $10 cards to places like Starbucks, Amazon, Movies, etc would be greatly appreciated! Please contact any member of our Upper School PBIS team if you have items you would like to donate to our students in grades 9-12, you know what they like since they are always asking you for these things!
2019/20 Upper School PBIS Team:
Meridith Mitchell
Josh Ray
Keonna Geer
Nicole Morin
College and Career Preparation Information
Please be on the lookout for an email detailing the upcoming College and Career Program events, including college field trips, parent workshops, and after school advising opportunities.
The PSAT/NMSQT will be offered to 10th and 11th grade students on Wednesday, November 19th. Please email Ms. Lafferty, chelsealafferty@icimagine.org, if you are interested in your child taking this test and would like more information.
At this point, all Upper School schedules should be solidified. If your student is still having schedule issues, please have them see me immediately. We cannot make any changes to schedules after day twenty!
Computer Use Policy Forms will be coming home this week in preparation for the upcoming assignments of Chromebooks in September. Please understand that students in Upper School will not be assigned a Chromebook without a copy of the signed agreement.
SCIENCE COURSES
Earth and Environmental Science
Standard:
We are currently learning about Astronomy. All notes are in your child’s notebook that they need to study for all quizzes and tests. This notebook is like their textbook. It is expected that they have it in class every day.
Upcoming due dates:
Planet Project= Due Sept 3rd
Astronomy test= Week of Sept 23rd
Google Classroom Class code: e8kq7i0
All assignments and resources are posted on Google Classroom. If you need to know the due date or details of an assignment- this is where you look!
Honors:
We are currently learning about Astronomy. All notes are in your child’s notebook that they need to study for all quizzes and tests. This notebook is like their textbook. It is expected that they have it in class every day. This class will delve deeper into the standards and throughout the year will do more research and writing assignments.
Upcoming due dates:
Planet Project= Due Sept 3rd
Astronomy test= Week of Sept 23rd
Article Review= Due Oct 17th
Google Classroom Class code: xt3oq4
All assignments and resources are posted on Google Classroom. If you need to know the due date or details of an assignment- this is where you look!
Biology
Standard:
This week we have studied Ecology and the role humans play in the environment. Our first test was on Friday the 23rd. We will begin to use Google Classroom once all students have a Chromebook at school. We would appreciate all families paying the $10 Science lab fee at orgsonline.com. Thank you!
Honors: This week we have studied Ecology and the role humans play in the environment. Our first test was on Friday the 23rd. Students will receive a list of projects on Monday that will allow them to get higher grades on the test. We will begin to use Google Classroom once all students have a Chromebook at school. We would appreciate all families paying the $10 Science lab fee at orgsonline.com. Thank you!
Physical Science
We are wrapping up the introductory unit that covers the basics of Physical Science and a review of algebraic skills. Next week we will begin our unit on constant velocity. We will take data on a constant velocity cart and graph the data. Then my expectations will be for these students to be able to analyze constant velocity graphs and to be able to solve constant velocity problems.
AP Physics
We are wrapping up the introductory units that covers scientific notation, unit analysis, algebraic skills, trigonometric skills, graphical analysis, and lab skills. Next week we will begin our unit on vectors. We will learn about vector math, including adding, subtracting, scaling, graphing, and unit vectors.
Chemistry
We are wrapping up the introductory unit that covers unit conversions, scientific notation, lab safety, and types of matter. Beginning next week we will start with the basics of chemistry by learning about the fundamental particles of matter.
Anatomy and Physiology
We are studying the biochemistry of the human body as well as the medical terms used for body orientation. We would appreciate all students paying the $10 Science Lab fee through orgsonline.com. Thank you!
The primary text I will be using for this course is Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11th edition, by Elaine N. Marieb. Students are not required to purchase this book, but it may be useful for some students to have at home as an extra studying resource. You can find used copies online for a reasonable price.
ENGLISH COURSES
English I
Standard:
Please email vanyssakendrick@icimagine.org for more information about what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
Honors:
In English I Honors, we have been reading short stories and putting together ideas for our first essay. The class is very engaged and engaging! Welcome Freshmen!
English II
Standard:
Students will continue working on their memoir unit and read short samples from authors around the world. Reading selections will be read aloud as a class, and students will participate in whole group and small group discussion questions. At the close of this unit, students will complete their own 1 page memoir about an important event in their life focusing on sensory details and central idea. We will continue refining their paragraph structure as a class and work on sentence clarity and composing cohesive paragraphs. Please remind your students that if they have not turned in their Summer Reading Project, they need to do so by the start of September. Also, they will continue to have weekly vocab quizzes the Friday of each full week along with weekly homework.
Honors:
Students will continue working on their memoir unit and read short samples from authors around the world. We will continue refining their paragraph structure as students will peer-edit one another’s writing, offering feedback and suggestions for improvement. At the close of this unit, students will complete their own 2 page memoir about an important event in their life focusing on sensory details and central idea. Please remind your students that if they have not turned in their Summer Reading Project and/or their Summer Reading Essay, they need to do so by the start of September. Also, they will continue to have weekly vocab quizzes the Friday of each full week along with weekly homework.
English III
Please email Mrs. Kendrick, vanyssakendrick@icimagine.org, for more information about what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
English IV
Please email Mrs. Kendrick, vanyssakendrick@icimagine.org, for more information about what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
AP Language and Composition
Students will continue to work on Unit 1: Introduction to Rhetoric, which will include lessons on rhetorical appeals and the rhetorical triangle. Please be sure your students have joined Google Classroom and are staying up to date with current deadlines and due dates. I will be discussing Senior Project with the 12th graders enrolled in AP Language the week of the 26th, so please check in with them regarding that as well.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
Civics and Economics
Standard:
We are off to a great start! Champions have earned their 1st grades on Forms of Government and moved on to the Enlightenment philosophers ideas who influenced the founding documents of the USA. Ask them about both targets.
Honors:
This a truly inspiring group! Have your champion share what they did to teach the class about a form of government- they were amazing. The entire group met or exceeded expectations on their first quiz.
We have now moved on to our 1st socratic experience. Ask your champion who they researched and how their "socratic salon" experience went.
World History
Standard:
Please contact Ms. Roselander, chloeroselander@icimagine.org, for more information regarding what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
Honors:
This is a great class! We are finishing our Byzantine DBQ (ask your student why they are important) Next up, World Religions!
AP World History
Please contact Ms. Roselander, chloeroselander@icimagine.org, for more information regarding what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
American History I
Standard: Please contact Ms. Roselander, chloeroselander@icimagine.org, for more information regarding what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
Honors:
This class is finishing a brief unit on Native Americans and are heading toward European exploration and colonization! They just took their first map test of the physical features of North America.
American History II
Please contact Ms. Roselander, chloeroselander@icimagine.org, for more information regarding what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
Psychology
Have you heard about the curious case of Phineas Gage? Ask your Psychology student about him. We are studying Neuroscience, how the brain is configured and how it runs our bodies.
MATH COURSES
Math I
Students are working function notation, creating tables and graphs from a function rule and interpreting function notation from a problem in context. We will learn about key features, domain, range and average rate of change. Students had their first assessment this week and will work on correcting mistakes made evaluating and interpreting function notation throughout the next unit.
Math II
Standard:
Students will be testing early next week on the material we’ve been going over regarding inverse variation functions; next, we’ll review and build upon what students learned about quadratic functions last year.
Honors:
Students will be testing Monday on the material we’ve been going over regarding inverse variation functions; next, we’ll review and build upon what students learned about quadratic functions last year.
Math III
Standard:
Students are wrapping up adding, subtracting, multiplying, and factoring, all of which are basic things needed to be able to work with rational expressions. Next week we will quiz Monday and move on to dividing polynomials. Dividing will also be used throughout our rationals unit.
Honors:
Students are working on basics needed for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing rational expressions. Students are learning the mechanics of long division and how to factor polynomials using long division. Students will also use long division and evaluating procedures in determining if a remainder exist when dividing polynomials.
Discrete Math
Students have been learning about graph theory and different methods to find circuits in a graph. This week we will begin a project on Friday that will assess their understanding of the methods. This will be worked on in class and will count as their assessment for this unit. This project will carry on through the next week.
Precalculus
This year in Precalculus we will study all the necessary prerequisites to AP Calculus. Students will study familiar functions from Math 1-3. We will also study Vectors, Parametric functions, more in-depth study of Trigonometry and Limits. This first unit students are studying transformations of familiar functions using coordinate notation and create models of familiar functions. Our first unit test will be September 6th.
AP Calculus
We are starting this year on limits. We will start our study of derivatives after Labor day. Students will use our study of limits when determining the derivatives of functions. We will continue to look at rate of change and instantaneous velocity. Students will build their mathematical practices for calculus: reasoning with definitions and theorems, connecting concepts, implementing algebraic/ computational processes, connecting multiple representations, building notational fluency, and communicating with classmates and through written responses.
SPANISH COURSES
Spanish I
So far in Spanish I we have been practicing language having to do with the calendar, the weather, our interests, and our daily lives. Students have been taking on various jobs within the classroom and have helped create Class Norms to foster an inclusive environment.
They have been co-creating texts in Spanish about these discussions in the domain of Description. In the coming weeks we will continue to broaden our descriptive abilities through character creation. Students will also be making brochures to explain how foreign language is taught differently today than it was when we were kids. Also coming home is a syllabus and rubric for caregivers to sign about how students’ grades are determined.
Spanish II
So far in Spanish II we have been practicing language having to do with the calendar, the weather, our interests, and our daily lives. Students have been taking on various jobs within the classroom and have helped create Class Norms to foster an inclusive environment.
They have been co-creating texts in Spanish about these discussions in the domain of Description. In the coming weeks we will continue to broaden our descriptive abilities through character creation. Students will also be making brochures to explain how foreign language is taught differently today than it was when we were kids. Also coming home is a syllabus and rubric for caregivers to sign about how students’ grades are determined.
Spanish III
We are in our early stages of our first of 4 cycles. Each cycle will last about 4 weeks. This first cycle is focusing on using descriptive language and narrating stories. At the end of the each cycle their will be a formative assessment where: Writing, Listening, Reading, and Speaking will be assessed.
Homework!!!!: your champion will have a formative reading assessment almost every friday, to be turned in on monday.
Interpersonal Communication: This academic skill is anywhere from 50-65% of your champions grade! If you are wondering why your champions grade is the way it is, it is most likely in this category where they are struggling. Here are the key elements to this learning target:
Support the Flow of Language
One person talks and everyone else listens
Listen with the intent to understand
The Rubric for this learning target is on their google classroom.
Spanish IV
In Spanish 4 we are currently working on creating short stories that are being both written by and illustrated by the students. Additionally we are covering current events and continuing to watch El Internado, a Spanish Speaking TV show.
Interpersonal Communication: This academic skill is anywhere from 50-65% of your champions grade! If you are wondering why your champions grade is the way it is, it is most likely in this category where they are struggling. Here are the key elements to this learning target:
Support the Flow of Language
One person talks and everyone else listens
Listen with the intent to understand
The Rubric for this learning target is on their google classroom.
STUDENT SUPPORT COURSES
OCS
OCC Prep II A: Students enrolled in this class developed their own mission statement.
‘ We are people who do our part to make ICI a better place.’
They are currently earning school based work hours assisting Mr. Townley and the Facilities and Grounds team in completing multiply duties daily. The Facilities and Grounds team are currently stretched thin, working so hard to take of care building and teacher needs as we are now in our permanent home.
Many thanks to this team for allowing us the opportunity to achieve the course requirements as well as, our daily mission.
OCC Prep II B: Students have been learning about self-advocacy and different communication styles.
They have participated in multiple lessons including role play scenarios on Passive, Aggressive, Assertive and Listening communication skills.
OCS English:
Please contact Mrs. Atkinson for additional information about what is happening in this course over the next two weeks. sarahatkinson@icimagine.org
OCS Math: NCVPS Courses begin Monday 8/26/19
Financial Management
Intro to Math I
Math I
LDME
Personal Finance
We have spent the last few weeks reviewing budgets/math facts/formulas, etc in an effort to prepare for the online courses.A huge ‘Thank you’ to Mr. Vervain and Mr. Hunsicker for ensuring students have ‘temporary’ chrome books for this class to begin on time, prior to receiving their assigned computer for the year.
Academic Essentials
Mrs. Atkinson: Students have been keeping up with current events by watching CNN10 daily. We have also been learning about acceptance and diversity through the book, American Born Chinese. Students will continue working on assignments that are due in their classes, while they also sharpen their comprehension skills through reading and expand their vocabulary through daily lessons.
Mrs. Gunnin:
Please email Mrs. Gunnin, nicolegunnin@icimagine.org, for more information about what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
Fine Arts
Visual Arts
All Visual Art Courses:
Art Room Wishlist: newspapers, magazines (school appropriate), old hardback books, dictionaries, yarn, tape (masking & duct), scrapbook paper, wallpaper books, fabric, small wood scraps, small sheets of plexiglass, and odd saucers, cups and plates.
Art 1:
We have just completed our first project creating Zentangles! We are now moving onto learning drawing techniques such as contour lines, perspective and gesture drawing.
Art 2:
Students are working on their first projects. They could choose to come up with their own or create art around a favorite song that integrates lyrics into the image. They completed a project proposal and sketches to help with the planning and problem solving process. We will have informal critiques throughout the process to get them comfortable with talking about their work and process.
Art 2 H:
Students are working on their first projects. They could choose to come up with their own or create art around a favorite song that integrates lyrics into the image. They completed a project proposal and sketches to help with the planning and problem solving process. We will have informal critiques throughout the process to get them comfortable with talking about their work and process.
Art 3 H:
Students are working on their first projects. They could choose to come up with their own or create art around a favorite song that integrates lyrics into the image. They completed a project proposal and sketches to help with the planning and problem solving process. We will have informal critiques throughout the process to get them comfortable with talking about their work and process.
Theatre:
We have started a unit on stage lighting. We will continue this unit this week and move into our sound unit before Labor Day.
Auditions for our Fall Play, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, will be held on August 27 & 28 after school. Auditioners need not attend both days. They should prepare a monologue (does not need to be memorized); and come prepared to read from the script.
Honors Theatre:
We have started a unit on stage lighting. We will continue this unit this week and move into our sound unit before Labor Day.
Auditions for our Fall Play, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, will be held on August 27 & 28 after school. Auditioners need not attend both days. They should prepare a monologue (does not need to be memorized); and come prepared to read from the script. Honors students are required to be involved in the show in some capacity, on or off stage.
Choral Arts
US Chorus:
Hello from the Chorus room!
I am thrilled to be filling the role of Upper School Choral director! We are hard at work already on our Winter Concert music. We have also been working on “The Star Spangled Banner” in preparation for the Fine Arts 5K on September 21st. Please remember that ALL chorus students are expected to attend this special event. You can sign up by clicking this link: https://icimagine.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjA4NjI=
In addition, I am including a link here to our choral calendar for the year. Please know that there are some dates that are not nailed down yet and will be communicated when we have those dates. Unless the date says optional, all chorus students are expected to participate!
Speaking of communication, if you have not already signed up for Remind, please follow these instructions for Upper School Chorus: text @ca8k3k to 81010
Also, students will be receiving Google Classroom assignments starting next week, so please make sure your student has connected to their Google Classroom. I sent out invites to their school email accounts this week. Those who are new to the school will be able to connect once their chromebook is distributed. I will also be using this to post parts for practicing.
Lastly, if any student is interested in auditioning for the North Carolina Honors Chorus, they need to see me by 8/28.
Thank you for the blessing of trusting me with the choral education of your child!
Mrs. Crayton melanyecrayton@icimagine.org
US Chamber Choir:
Hello from the Chorus room! I am thrilled to be filling the role of Upper School Choral director! We are hard at work already on our Winter Concert music. We have also been working on “The Star Spangled Banner” in preparation for the Fine Arts 5K on September 21st. Please remember that ALL chorus students are expected to attend this special event. You can sign up by clicking this link: https://icimagine.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjA4NjI=
In addition, I am including a link here to our choral calendar for the year. Please know that there are some dates that are not nailed down yet and will be communicated when we have those dates. Unless the date says optional, all chorus students are expected to participate!
Speaking of communication, if you have not already signed up for Remind, please follow these instructions for Upper School Chorus: text @uschambe to 81010
Also, students will be receiving Google Classroom assignments starting next week, so please make sure your student has connected to their Google Classroom. Those who are new to the school will be able to connect once their Chromebook is distributed. I will also be using this to post parts for practicing.
Lastly, if any student is interested in auditioning for the North Carolina Honors Chorus, they need to see me by 8/28.
Thank you for the blessing of trusting me with the choral education of your child!
Mrs. Crayton melanyecrayton@icimagine.org
Band
Please email Shawn Wellman, shawnwellman@icimagine.org, or Chelsey Montgomery, chelseymontgomery@icimagine.org, for more information about what is happening in band courses over the next two weeks.
Healthy Living
Health and Physical Education
(9th Grade)
Please email Ms. Graves, hannahgraves@icimagine.org, for more information about what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
Advanced Physical Education
Please email Ms. Graves, hannahgraves@icimagine.org, or Mr. Kinnaird, mattkinnaird@icimagine.org, for more information about what is happening in this course over the next two weeks.
