Innocademy Blog

Thank YOU!

BIG Thank you to Jackie Perez for the donation of Kellogg’s bars and quality control checklists for our measurement practice! So fun!!

Thanks, Ms. Sue from Nystrom, for assembling our sa-weet globe displays! This was the last of our grant funded materials - Globes, maps and charts, oh, my!

HUGE thank you to Ms. Jacquelyn for agreeing to sub for us this year as our art teacher! We are so grateful to her for her willingness to step in - THANK YOU is not enough!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

• Monday, May 20th - Eagle’s Nest Coffee Cafe’ opens at 8am
• Friday, May 24th - Innocademy Spirit Day - Mismatch Day
• Friday, May 24th - Car Wash for Wounded Warrior Project 10:15-12:00pm
• Friday, May 24th - Innocademy Apparel Orders Due
• Friday, May 24th - Payment Due for Lansing/Detroit Trip - $135 per person
• Friday, May 24th - Final Payment Due for Dominican Trip - look for a detailed note from your student on Tuesday (it will include field trip account info)
• Monday, May 27th - Sunday, June 2nd - Innocademy Break Week.
• Monday, June 3rd - School Resumes - NO MORE FRIDAY SCHOOL DAYS
• Sunday, June 2 - Sunday, June 9 - Oldest Friends Capstone Trip to Dominican Republic
• Tuesday, June 4th - Devo’s Night - 7pm
• Tuesday, June 11th - 12pm-1pm - HIV/AIDS curriculum viewing opportunity
• Wednesday, June 12-Thursday, June 13 - Middle Friends Trip to Detroit/Lansing.
• Thursday, June 13th - HIV/AIDS curriculum viewing opportunity
• Thursday, June 20th - Innocademy Spirit Day - All One Color Day
• Thursday, June 20th - Innocademy Night at Dutch Village - details to come!
• Monday, June 24th - Innocademy Showcase - DATE CHANGE FROM 6/19 - at Community Reformed
• Thursday, June 27th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Synergy Day on Friday, May 24th

We are so excited for our upcoming Synergy Day that will take place this Friday, May 24! This Synergy Day will have a Memorial Day theme as we head into the Memorial Day weekend. From 9:15-12:00pm, we will be putting on a car wash. Any donations will be given to the Wounded Warrior Project out of Grand Rapids. This project gives us a chance to help thousands of injured warriors coming home and help provide assistance to their families. Please send your child to school on Friday with proper attire for washing cars.

If you know of a Veteran that would be willing to speak to our school on Friday morning please contact Ms. Lindsay, Ms. Monica or Ms. Cyndi. We would love to have a Veteran guest speaker for the kids to hear from!

monica.kraai@innocademy.com lindsay.vanderzwaag@innocademy.com cyndi.nykamp@innocademy.com

Change in Dismissal?

We absolutely understand that changes in dismissal need to happen every now and again. When this is the case for your family, PLEASE make sure that you contact a staff member and know that they have received your message. Many times teachers are unable to check voicemail, email or texts during the day so if you do not hear from someone by 3pm, please contact the main number 748-5637 so that we can ensure your student’s safety and follow your direction for getting them home. Thanks so much for your help!

Need Ground Cover At Your House?

We’ve got it! There is a ton of myrtle in the courtyard that we would like to remove. BYOShovel and dig some out! Currently there is some in buckets that was dug up on Friday. Help yourself!

Eagle’s Nest Coffee Cafe’ Opening on Monday, May 20th!

The Eagle’s Nest Coffee Shop will be opening on Monday, May 20th!  There will be many different coffees for sale, including black coffee, lattes, mochas, and teas.  We will be open at 8am until 9:15am, 12:30pm-1:00pm, and again at the end of the day from 3:00pm-4:00pm.  Prices of coffee will range from $1 to $3. The Eagle’s Nest will be taking online orders as well by simply emailing your name, order, arrival time, and vehicle type and color to eagles.nest@innocademy.com.  This service will also include bringing your order to your car!  The proceeds of this coffee shop go to students’ field trip accounts and offer the high schoolers a great business learning experience. We really hope to see you all on our opening day! Innocademy students are welcome to accompany their parents to the coffee shop, but all beverages must be enjoyed in the cafe area WITH a parent/guardian. Thank you!

Innocademy School Calendar for 2013-2014

The attached calendar is the same that was emailed home earlier this week, only the days off are a bit darker to help make it easier to distinguish =). Enjoy! innocademy-calendar-13-14

Innocademy Apparel Has Arrived!

Please see the attached form for information and pricing. We will be receiving a website link where you can take a closer look at colors/styles very soon and will pass it along asap! Orders and payment are due Friday, May 24th. innocademy-apparel-order

Showcase Devos Night - Tuesday, June 4th

Please mark your calendars, “Showcase Devo’s Night” will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 7:00 on the Innocademy stage.  We will be singing and showing a little of what we have learned this year.  Watch for a note coming home with your younger friends about which letter verse they will be saying that night.

Coco - Innocademy’s Favorite Hedgehog (by Faith and Ben)

Coco is one of Innocademy’s favorite class pets. She belongs to Ms. Lindsay, and is literally “a ball of fun.” Coco is an African Pygmy hedgehog, meaning she origintates from southern Africa. Coco enjoys running around, when she is not sleeping, which is rare. She spends a LOT of he time doing so. Coco may come across as grumpy, or ignorant, but is actually just very shy. Coco feels very spiky when she is tense. When she is relaxed, she looks sharp it, but is not. Coco can grow anywhere from 6-8 inches and could have a litter of 6-8 babies. Thanks Ms. Lindsay for sharing Coco with us!

All About Oreo (by Karinda and Brody)

Oreo is the class pet for the Older Friends. Oreo is a feeder rat, but we “rescued” her! Oreo is full grown, and her life span is only 1-2 years, right now Oreo is 9 months old. The food she eats is regular rat food, but she still enjoys her treats like apples and graham crackers. Oreo’s habitat here at Innocademy is pine shavings in a small cage in the Orange room. If she lived in the wild she would probably live in the fields, or possibly the woods.

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to herblog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Learning Corner

Over the next few weeks we would like to use this area to detail information from the iCademy Team as they get set to launch a new school at the Homestead Campus next fall!

In an effort to keep our Innocademy parents informed, the team at iCademy would like to send you periodic updates to help better articulate the vision of iCademy. The first blog is from Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and Author of Generation iY (www.growingleaders.com) and the future trend in education.

Five Reasons Why Online Learning is the Future of Education

May 7, 2013 —

Did you hear? News just broke that our U.S. Education Department gave it’s blessing to online programs that award college credit—based not on how much time a student spends in a classroom but by how much they know and can do. It’s a new day.

State higher education officers, across the nation, are following suit, developing agreements that will cut the “red tape” that discourages colleges from offering online courses across state lines. Other states are now allowing students to get college credit for online courses when the class is full, even if the course is from a private vendor. Wow. It really is a new day. Time to return home and turn that laptop on. Now you get college credit for what you learn there.

You probably know adults have debated whether online courses are actually good for our kids. Concerns center around the questions:

• Do the students really learn as much from a screen as a live teacher?
• Is it just easier to inflate grades and not ensure learning is taking place?
• Will this form of education lower their soft skills and communication skills?

The fact is—we will need to answer these questions, because ready or not, the screen is quickly overcoming the “live” classroom as the preferred model. My son, Jonathan, agrees. He’s enrolled in both classroom and online courses at a local community college. He is chipping away at his general education before entering a liberal arts university. When I asked him to evaluate both venues he didn’t hesitate. He much prefers the online courses. In fact, he said, “My classroom teacher is actually more boring than the static computer screen. And, I can work on my own.”

Five Reasons Students Prefer Online Courses

Let me prompt some thought and discussion on why online learning is not going away, and how we must adapt to this form of education as time marches on.

1. It revolves around a screen. Students love screens.

When I interview students taking online courses, they remind me that a screen is their natural habitat. They are digital natives. Screenagers. Interfacing with a screen is often more normal than interacting with someone face-to-face.

2. It enables students to work at their own pace.

According to one survey, the primary reason students prefer online learning is that it enables them to go slow or fast, based on whether they “get” the information. This is how they approach video games, Facebook, and other social media outlets.

3. It empowers interaction, even for the shy students.

Several faculty members who proctor and facilitate online courses agreed recently that shy or introverted students are more apt to weigh in on a discussion when it’s a digital dialogue as opposed to a face-to-face one, where they get intimidated.

4. It allows a virtually unlimited amount of students to enroll.

One big challenge colleges face is helping students finish their degree. “We just can’t achieve that with our current model,” says Rachel Fishman, a Washington think tank leader. “We need flexible pathways where working people can find time to finish.”

5. It’s less expensive than classroom space.

College For America is a pace-setter, based at Southern New Hampshire University. Loads of students (all ages) are mastering 120 competencies and advance based on assessments not grades. Why? Tuition is $2,500. How? No brick and mortar.

Does this online stuff lower academic rigor? Time will tell, but this technology is not going away.

iCademy and Social Media

As you know, a dedicated team of educators just launched an on-line school (see press click here).

They have set-up a facebook page (facebook.com/icademyglobal) and twitter @icademyglobal as well as the other social media sites (google +, linkedin, pinterest, vimeo, etc.) If you have a facebook or twitter account, can you go to those sites and like them on facebook and follow them on twitter? Better yet, if you know others that have facebook or twitter can you forward them this email as well?

They would like about 100-200 followers on each (facebook and twitter) to add credibility to their mission.

The school has a splashpage website at icademyglobal.org until the team gets the full site up and running…

Thank you for your consideration. Feel free to forward this  info to friends. A lot of families (especially home school families) are looking for options.

Thanks, Mr. Houtman, for helping our first time flyers feel more comfortable about their upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic

Innocademy Girls on The Run Team! Way to go! Thanks, Coaches!!

Innocademy Golf Club!

Mr. Mike and Mr. Alex from Velo City Cyles share with us about bike and bike safety.

Elliot and Olivia enjoy green commute day - Ben, too!

Mr. Safety….I mean Mr. Matt, is ready to roll!

Thank YOU!

HUGE thank you to the Miller/Klein Family for their donation of a ping pong table! Wow! LOTS of fun! Thank you!

BIG Thank you to our parent volunteers, Mr and Mrs. Miller, Mr and Mrs. Aukema, Mr. Voss, Mr and Mrs. DeYoung for helping chaperone the Parent’s Night Out this weekend! What a ton of fun!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

• Monday, May 13th - Fluoride Treatment Training for all Dominican Republic travelers at Dr. Langellier’s office - 5:15pm - Aesthetic Dental Center - 1621 44th St SW # 200  Wyoming, MI 49509
• Friday, May 17th - Green Commute Day - Bring your wheeled transportation (and helmets!) to school
• Monday, May 20th - Eagle’s Nest Coffee Cafe’ opens at 8am
• Friday, May 24th - Innocademy Spirit Day - Mismatch Day
• Monday, May 27th - Sunday, June 2nd - Innocademy Break Week.
• Monday, June 3rd - School Resumes - NO MORE FRIDAY SCHOOL DAYS
• Sunday, June 2 - Sunday, June 9 - Oldest Friends Capstone Trip to Dominican Republic
• Wednesday, June 12-Thursday, June 13 - Middle Friends Trip to Detroit/Lansing.
• Thursday, June 20th - Innocademy Spirit Day - All One Color Day
• Monday, June 24th - Innocademy Showcase - DATE CHANGE FROM 6/19 - at Community Reformed
• Thursday, June 27th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Reminder - Innocademy Fundraiser Invoices

These should have made their way home in your student’s backpack on Friday. If you did not receive yours, please contact Leisa at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com and we will be sure to get it to you. Thanks so much!

Innocademy Green Commute Day - Friday, May 17th - A Note From Mr. Matt

In Mosaic, your child has been learning about the Netherlands (Holland) as a country including little bits about their culture, customs, food and language. We also have been looking in depth at how they embrace and integrate safe cycling practices into their daily lives through common practice, laws and infrastructure. The Dutch are truly world leaders in cycling, so much so that they have been looked at as an example and have even formed the Dutch Cycling Embassy, serving as a panel of experts in implementing safe riding planning and practices in other countries.

We looked at these safe cycling practices and want to culminate our journey by having a Bike/Walk Day at Innocademy. We want to practice a safe ride during our school day around our neighborhood.

We would like you (if you wish) to bring in your child’s bike-with helmet- to school on Friday, May 17th. We will hear from local experts from Velo City Cycles in Holland, MI about safe riding and handling as well as hear about cycling for commuting and as a sport. We will begin the day with the presentation and go for a ride/walk after for an hour.

If your child wishes to bring in a razor scooter or roller blades, we will also allow this as it fits the goals we are trying to accomplish with the Green Commute week. However, no matter what form of “green” transportation your child chooses to bring in, it is imperative that they bring a helmet, at minimum, to keep safety as the main goal of the day. If they do not have a helmet, they will participate only in the walk.

On the day of the event, students may park their bikes near the bike racks on the east side entrance of the building. Scooters and roller blades may be brought inside but may not be worn or used until the appropriate time.

Eagle’s Nest Coffee Cafe’ Opening on Monday, May 20th!

The Eagle’s Nest Coffee Shop will be opening on Monday, May 20th!  There will be many different coffees for sale, including black coffee, lattes, mochas, and teas.  We will be open at 8am until 9:15am, 12:30pm-1:00pm, and again at the end of the day from 3:00pm-4:00pm.  Prices of coffee will range from $1 to $3. The Eagle’s Nest will be taking online orders as well by simply emailing your name, order, arrival time, and vehicle type and color to eagles.nest@innocademy.com.  This service will also include bringing your order to your car!  The proceeds of this coffee shop go to students’ field trip accounts and offer the high schoolers a great business learning experience. We really hope to see you all on our opening day!

Lost and Found

As you can see from the picture below, our lost and found is growing again! Please take a moment in the near future to peek through all of the GREAT stuff that we have!

Speaking of Lost and Found….

If you accompanied us on the Washington D.C. field trip, and lost a purple bathing suit, Mr. Matt has found it! Since it’s not his size or color he’s willing to part with it. =)

Interested In Hosting An Exchange Student?

Host an International High School Exchange Student Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State invites you to make a difference by hosting an international high school exchange student in your school or home starting this fall. Approximately 2,000 Department of State-sponsored exchange students from over 50 countries, all of whom have undergone a competitive, merit-based selection process, will spend the 2013-14 academic year in communities across the United States.  These exchange students live with American families, attend American high schools, and participate in American culture, leadership activities, and community service. Exchange students can help internationalize classrooms and bring foreign affairs to life.   Learn more or submit an interest form at hosting.state.gov or go to the link below.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Youth_Flyer_420567_7.pdf

Show Your Inno Spirit!

Show your Inno spirit at home! The Beta High School will be selling “Yay! Innocademy!” fridge magnets from the company Yay! Life! Magnets should be ready by mid May and will be on sale for $5 each. Profits will go to the high schoolers’ field trip funds. If you would like to order a magnet please email Ms. Starr, but act fast because there is a limited supply. Special thanks to Ms. Brenda for the awesome connection to this company!

Challenge of Children Workshops

Please see the information link regarding the Challenge of Children Workshops being hosted on May 16th at Hope College in Holland. TONS of great learning opportunities offered! challenge-of-children-workshops

Health/Nutrition Class

If you are interested in learning more about health and nutrition, one of our auction donors, Jill Tanis, has put together a series of workshops. If you would like more information, or to register, please click on the link http://jilltanis.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/events/2013/05/your-nutritious-delicious-life-0

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to herblog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Noah introduces Governor Snyder to Levi and Parker who share their Washington D.C. project with him.

Hunter and Ivan do some buddy research!

Kennedy and Amelia dig for interesting tidbits!

Jack and Will find some fun facts!

Marielle, Ivan and Indirah get the streets ready for Tulip Time Festivities!

Blue Room Friends learn all about yarn spinning at the Dutch Trade Fair!

Thank YOU!

BIG Thank you to Mrs. Kalambacher  and Ms. Frieda for coming to Innocademy and sharing with us about Uganda! It was really fun to learn about the culture, people and daily life!

Thanks also, to Mr. DeYoung for coming to share with us about the things we would see while in Washington D.C. and his work with the World War I War Memorial - wow!

Also, thank you to Mr. Smith for working with our Beta High School Friends in the planning and preparation of opening the Eagle’s Nest Coffee Cafe’!

Thanks to all of our field experience chaperones this year! Wow! Big trip or small, there’s not a way that we could visit as many cool places and have the incredible learning experiences we’ve had without your help!! THANK YOU!!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

• Wednesday, May 8th - 1/2 Day - Dismissal at noon in honor of Tulip Time
• Thursday, May 9th - 1/2 Day - Dismissal at noon in honor of Tulip Time
• Friday, May 10th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip
• Monday, May 13th - Fluoride Treatment Training for all Dominican Republic travelers at Dr. Langellier’s office - 5:15pm
• Friday, May 24th - Innocademy Spirit Day - Mismatch Day
• Sunday, June 2 - Sunday, June 9 - Oldest Friends Capstone Trip to Dominican Republic
• Wednesday, June 12-Thursday, June 13 - Middle Friends Trip to Detroit/Lansing.
• Wednesday, June 19th - Innocademy Student Showcase
• Thursday, June 20th - Innocademy Spirit Day - All One Color Day

iCademy is Coming!!

So excited to announce that we received word this week that we were approved by the State of Michigan Department of Education to open our cyber charter school, iCademy! Lots more details to come, but please see the slide below for a review of what things could look like:

Wheeled Fun at Recess

Yay! The snow is finally gone…..I think! Students are welcome to bring wheeled toys such as skateboards and scooters to school for recess time each day. However, they MUST have a helmet in order to use the toy at school. Thanks so much for helping us keep everyone safe!

Show Your Inno Spirit!

Show your Inno spirit at home! The Beta High School will be selling “Yay! Innocademy!” fridge magnets from the company Yay! Life! Magnets should be ready by mid May and will be on sale for $5 each. Profits will go to the high schoolers’ field trip funds. If you would like to order a magnet please email Ms. Starr, but act fast because there is a limited supply. Special thanks to Ms. Brenda for the awesome connection to this company!

May Stewardship Opportunity!

In honor of Mother’s Day, our Foundation Friday Stewardship Committee has come up with an idea to put on a Mother/Daughter event. They would like to sew pillowcase dresses to donate globally to students in need. They are in need of people to help lead the event that have sewing skills and sewing machines. If you are interested in helping, please contact Ms. Monica monica.kraii@innocademy.com or Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com Thank you!

Challenge of Children Workshops

Please see the information link regarding the Challenge of Children Workshops being hosted on May 16th at Hope College in Holland. TONS of great learning opportunities offered! challenge-of-children-workshops

Summer Meals Programs

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created to ensure that children in lower-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. At Innocademy we do not have a Summer Meals program as we are on a year round school calendar.   However, as we are out of school the entire month of July we want to make available a list of local organizations that provide summer meals for those families who have need.  There are currently no locations in the city of Zeeland. See below for a list of locations that are closest to Innocademy, but please visit the SFSP website locator to see if there may be one that is more accessible for your family.  http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to herblog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Senator Levin takes a moment to talk with our group in the rotunda of the Capitol Building.

Yay! Washington!!! Lots of excited travelers on their way to the White House, but first stopping in front of the Capital Building for a group shot! Ms. Kelli has her arm around her imaginary friend, Ms. Christy, who is taking the picture!

Claire enjoys some math on the iPad!

Thanks Mr. Jim and Mr. Art for helping put our basketball hoops back outside!

Mr. Matt and Mr. Tyler celebrate “Fake Injury Day”!

Thank YOU!

Big thanks to everyone that was able to attend, volunteer and/or donate to the Outdoor Education Center Project this past week - what an incredible night!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

Sunday, April 28 - Friday, May 3 - Older Friends Trip to Washington D.C.

Wednesday, May 8th - 1/2 Day - Dismissal at noon in honor of Tulip Time

Thursday, May 9th - 1/2 Day - Dismissal at noon in honor of Tulip Time

Friday, May 10th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Monday, May 12th - Fluoride Treatment Training for all Dominican Republic travelers at Dr. Langellier’s office - 5:15pm

Friday, May 24th - Innocademy Spirit Day - Mismatch Day

Sunday, June 2 - Sunday, June 9 - Oldest Friends Capstone Trip to Dominican Republic

Wednesday, June 12-Thursday, June 13 - Middle Friends Trip to Detroit/Lansing.

Wednesday, June 19th - Innocademy Student Showcase

Thursday, June 20th - Innocademy Spirit Day - All One Color Day

Show Your Inno Spirit!

Show your Inno spirit at home! The Beta High School will be selling “Yay! Innocademy!” fridge magnets from the company Yay! Life! Magnets should be ready by mid May and will be on sale for $5 each. Profits will go to the high schoolers’ field trip funds. If you would like to order a magnet please email Ms. Starr, but act fast because there is a limited supply. Special thanks to Ms. Brenda for the awesome connection to this company!

May Stewardship Opportunity!

In honor of Mother’s Day, our Foundation Friday Stewardship Committee has come up with an idea to put on a Mother/Daughter event. They would like to sew pillowcase dresses to donate globally to students in need. They are in need of people to help lead the event that have sewing skills and sewing machines. If you are interested in helping, please contact Ms. Monica monica.kraii@innocademy.com or Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com Thank you!

Challenge of Children Workshops

Please see the information link regarding the Challenge of Children Workshops being hosted on May 16th at Hope College in Holland. TONS of great learning opportunities offered! challenge-of-children-workshops

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to herblog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Learning Together at Innocademy

We’d like to dedicate a little corner each week to learning more about our basic Innocademy philosophies and foundations. This week we focus on a book entitled The One World Schoolhouse. It’s an interesting read by Soloman Khan of “Khan Academy” He states that
“We learn best when we learn actively and at our own pace, mastering each new skill before proceeding to the next.” http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/11/book-review-the-one-world-schoolhouse/?page=all

As always, if you  have an article, video or link that you’d like to share with our greater Inno community, please feel free to email it to me at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Thank you fantastic Innocademy Serving Crew!

Thanks, Katie (Ms. Kerri’s daughter), for playing the piano at the event!

Alma, Andi, Claudia and Katie help get tables ready for dinner

David and Tess working tirelessly to ready the auction items for the fundraiser.

Coach Lee works with the Girls on the Run girls for their practice 5 K

Thank YOU!

Thanks so much to all of you for participating in Student Led Conferences! It’s always such a fun opportunity to see your students share all of their amazing growth and progress with you! Please remember that your Innocademy Staff is always willing to meet with you should you ever wish to discuss something specific regarding your student’s progress or opportunities for improving. Simply phone or email to set up an appointment.

HUGE thanks to all of you who were able to attend the “Lunch with your special person” day. What fun!

Thanks also to the many Innocademy Friends who donated books for the “Reach Out And Read” program! Representatives from Zeeland Hospital (Thanks Mrs. Thelen!) visited us to share about the program and collect the books. They will accept donations at ANY time, so feel free to send in those gently used books!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

Thursday, April 11th - All Whitecaps Order Forms/Bookmarks Due

Monday, April 15th - $475 money due for Washington D.C. Travelers (checks payable to Innocademy)

Thursday, April 18th - Innocademy Parent Meeting - DATE CHANGE from March 18th

Friday, April 19th - Connecting Committee Coffee Time - 9am

Friday, April 19th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Thursday, April 25th - Innocademy Fundraising Event

Friday, May 10th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip - changed from May 17th as it is the Girls On The Run 5K event AND the Whitecaps night for Innocademy

Whitecaps Order Forms/Bookmarks

All completed forms are due on Thursday, April 11th if your student wishes to claim their free tickets for reading during the month of March. Thank you!

Infinite Campus

If you are having trouble logging in to Infinite Campus to view your student’s report card or daily progress (Orange and Yellow Room Only for daily progress), please contact Leisa at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com so that she can get you all set up.

We are…..The Eagles!

Thanks to our Beta Friends for coordinating the nomination and voting for our new Innocademy mascot; The Eagle! And BIG thanks to Ms. Amy and the choir students for composing our Innocademy School Song! VERY cool!!!

Heelies at Innocademy

Heelies are LOTS of fun, but unfortunately are not the safest mode of transportation in school. Thanks so much for enjoying these wheeled shoes at home.

FREE Admission to Four Grand Rapids Museums - April 21st

Looking for something to do with the family? Why not check out the museums in Grand Rapids on April 21st? They are opening them all for FREE that day! http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/04/free_admission_at_four_grand_r.html

Day of The Young Child - April 12th

Innocademy’s Closet

The Stewardship Committee would like to thank those of you that have helped us get the Innocademy Closet started. Thanks for your generosity! We are still in need of a few items, especially shelving so we can display the items.  Please contact Ms. Monica monica.kraai@innocademy.com or Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com if you have any questions regarding the Innocademy Closet.

• Shelving to display items (i.e., used book shelves, stackable crates, etc..)
• Gently used clothing (children and adult sizes)
• New socks and undergarments
• Toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc…)

Michigan Charter School Fine Arts Camp

The Michigan Charter School Fine Arts Camp will be held June 17 -20, 2013 at Saginaw Valley State University. Registration will open on March 25th. Cost is $40.00!!!! per student on a first come first served basis!  This is through a scholarship provided by our authorizing agency LSSU.  Once scholarships are gone the cost is $299 per student. Please contact Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com for more information or help registering.

Innocademy Decals Are Here!

If you would like to purchase an Innocademy decal for your vehicle, please simply send $3 in an envelope marked “Innocademy Decal” to school with your student and we will send home the decal.

Summer Meals Programs

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created to ensure that children in lower-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. At Innocademy we do not have a Summer Meals program as we are on a year round school calendar.   However, as we are out of school the entire month of July we want to make available a list of local organizations that provide summer meals for those families who have need.  There are currently no locations in the city of Zeeland. See below for a list of locations that are closest to Innocademy, but please visit the SFSP website locator to see if there may be one that is more accessible for your family.  http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Devos Committee Blog

If you are interested in what is happening at devos each week, please check out their weekly blog  at www.innodevo.blogspot.com

Learning Together at Innocademy

We’d like to dedicate a little corner each week to learning more about our basic Innocademy philosophies and foundations. This week is an opportunity to understand the idea behind second language learning; specifically spanish immersion. The immersion style is what all of our students receive as they experience spanish instruction each day. A FULL immersion program plays well into our vision.

http://addalingua.com/research-insight

As always, if you  have an article, video or link that you’d like to share with our greater Inno community, please feel free to email it to me at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Mr. Matt enjoys some reading time during the read in!

More Innocademy Friends enjoy some reading time.

Kennedy, the baker, cooks up some treats for Green Pod.

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

Thursday, March 28th - Connecting Committee “Eat Lunch With Your Special Person Day” and Rock, Paper Scissors Tourney - 12pm-12:50pm

Thursday, March 28th - Enrollment Commitment forms due for current Inno families with K or 1st students next year - Spanish Immersion vs. Classic Innocademy Program.

Thursday, March 28th - Pajama Day - blankets/pillows okay to bring as well!

Thursday, March 28th - $475.50 (airfare) due for Dominican Travelers

Thursday, March 28th - April Hot Lunch Orders are Due

Monday, April 15th - $475 money due for Washington D.C. Travelers

Thursday, April 18th - Innocademy Parent Meeting - DATE CHANGE from March 18th

Friday, April 19th - Connecting Committee Coffee Time - 9am

Friday, April 19th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Thursday, April 25th - Innocademy Fundraising Event

Friday, May 10th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip - changed from May 17th as it is the Girls On The Run 5K event AND the Whitecaps night for Innocademy

May 17th - Innocademy Night at West Michigan Whitecaps

Spanish Immersion Program at Innocademy

Beginning this fall Innocademy will be implementing a Spanish Immersion option for students in K or 1st grades. If you will have a student at either of these grades next year, please submit your PINK enrollment form by Thursday, March 28th. If you would like more information regarding the immersion philosophy and program, please see www.addalingua.com. Specifically, http://addalingua.com/immersion for information regarding history, design, benefits and results of an immersion language program.

Student Led Conferences

We are VERY excited to see you this week at student led conferences. If for some reason your appointment time does not work, please contact your student’s ELA teacher to reschedule. Also, when you visit, please make certain to stop by the posters located outside the Spanish room. Each ELA room is collecting items to put together a theme basket to offer at the fundraiser auction. If you’d like to donate an item, please simply jot your name down on the poster. Thank you!

Innocademy Eagles? Ambassadors? Impalas? Time To Choose a Mascot!

Bring Your Special Person To Lunch - Thursday, March 28th.

Innocademy Connecting Committee is sponsoring “Bring Your Special Person To Lunch” this week Thursday, March 28th. Lunch begins at 12pm. After eating lunch with your special person, we will be reporting to pods for our Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament at 12:30. Game on!

March Is Reading Month Celebration

On Thursday, we are celebrating “March is Reading” month with LOTS of fun activities! Kids are welcome to wear pajamas to school that day as well as bring their favorite reading materials. To go along with March is Reading Month, our Foundation Friday Stewardship Committee has decided to participate in the “Reach Out and Read” program. The “Reach Out and Read” program partners with doctors to help children develop a love for reading and also encourages them to read at home with their families. When books are donated to this program, children receive a book at their yearly check-up beginning at 6 months old!

If you are able, we would love for your child to bring a book to school this Thursday for our upcoming synergy day to donate to this program. The books may be gently used. Together in our pod families, we are going to write poems, letters and stories to go with these books for children to receive at their doctor visits. These books will be donated to the Holland Community Health Center. Please check out the following link for more information on “Reach Out and Read.” http://www.reachoutandread.org/interstitial/?ref=%2f Soooo….if you would like to do some early spring cleaning and would like to thin out your student’s book collection, we would gladly take any books they’ve outgrown to donate to this worthy organization. Thank you!

Peanut Free at Innocademy

Just a reminder that we have a friend with a severe peanut allergy here at Innocademy. In order to keep our friend safe, we appreciate your help in making certain that foods that contain peanuts be enjoyed at home rather than school. Thank you!

Lake Superior State University Summer Camp Opportunities

Please see the attached link for some REALLY cool Summer Camp Opportunities at Lake Superior State University. http://www.lssu.edu/summercamps/

Music Update From Ms. Amy

This month in music our youngest and younger friends are learning about Celtic Music.  We’ve discussed some of the instruments unique to Celtic music as well as those instruments common to many genre’s of music.  Your children have been learning about Ireland a bit and have learned some traditional Irish songs and rhymes as well as some contemporary Irish music.  Ask them to sing you a line or two of Molly Malone, Rag-n-Bone Man or Micheal Finnigan.  We’ve been having lots of fun!

Our older and oldest friends are wrapping up watching Oliver or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. We’ve talked about the parts of a musical including the play wright, lyricist, actors, actresses and other important people in the production of a musical.  To finish off the month of March we will be learning about Celtic Music. We will be exploring traditional and modern pieces.

Here are some links to a few of the songs we’ve been learning.

Molly Malone:  This isn’t the exact version we use in class, but very close.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Deeh9n-VI

Rag-N-Bone Man: This is a contemporary Irish band called Gaelic Storm:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB8CuFPMKv8

April Hot Lunch Menu

Just a reminder that all orders for hot lunch for April are due on Thursday, March 28th. Please see the attached link for the menu. april-lunch-menu

Innocademy’s Closet - Update

The Stewardship Committee would like to thank those of you that have helped us get the Innocademy Closet started. Thanks for your generosity! We are still in need of a few items, especially shelving so we can display the items.  Please contact Ms. Monica monica.kraai@innocademy.com or Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com if you have any questions regarding the Innocademy Closet.

• Shelving to display items (i.e., used book shelves, stackable crates, etc..)
• Gently used clothing (children and adult sizes)
• New socks and undergarments
• Toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc…)

Summer Camp Opportunities at MVP

MVP has some awesome opportunities available to our Inno friends.mvp-summer-camps-flyer

Michigan Charter School Fine Arts Camp
The Michigan Charter School Fine Arts Camp will be held June 17 -20, 2013 at Saginaw Valley State University. Registration will open on March 25th. Cost is $40.00!!!! per student on a first come first served basis!  This is through a scholarship provided by our authorizing agency LSSU.  Once scholarships are gone the cost is $299 per student. Please contact Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com for more information or help registering.

INNOCADEMY DECALS Have Arrived!

If you would like to purchase an Innocademy decal for your vehicle, please simply send $3 in an envelope marked “Innocademy Decal” to school with your student and we will send home the decal.

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Devos Committee Blog

If you are interested in what is happening at devos each week, please check out their weekly blog  at www.innodevo.blogspot.com

Learning Together at Innocademy

We’d like to dedicate a little corner each week to learning more about our basic Innocademy philosophies and foundations. This week is an opportunity to understand the idea behind second language learning; specifically spanish immersion. The immersion style is what all of our students receive as they experience spanish instruction each day. A FULL immersion program plays well into our vision.

http://addalingua.com/research-insight

As always, if you  have an article, video or link that you’d like to share with our greater Inno community, please feel free to email it to me at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Andrew and Alec help Ms. Robin lug some paper! Thanks guys!

Some Innocademy Friends had a fun gymnastics meet at Flipside this weekend! Way to go, girls! Summer, Eleanor, Zoe, Kindy, Cally, Claire, Makenna and Stella give their best SMILE and show off their load of hardware!

Thank You!

BIG thanks to Mrs. Urivez for the donation of table and chairs for our younger friends area. Lil and Zoe give the new furniture a try =)

Thanks also to Ashley and Dylan’s Grandma Maasman for the donation of books! Wow!!!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

Thursday, March 28th - Connecting Committee “Eat Lunch With Your Special Person Day”

Thursday, April 18th - Innocademy Parent Meeting - DATE CHANGE from March 18th

Friday, April 19th - Connecting Committee Coffee Time - 9am

Friday, April 19th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Thursday, April 25th - Innocademy Fundraising Event

Friday, May 10th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip - changed from May 17th as it is the Girls On The Run 5K event AND the Whitecaps night for Innocademy

May 17th - Innocademy Night at West Michigan Whitecaps

Congratulations Ella!!

On Tuesday evening, Ella represented Innocademy at the Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee as one of four students from Ottawa County. There were 22 students competing from Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Ionia and Newaygo Counties. It was an INTENSE evening as the winner was moving on to the national competition in Washington D.C! Ella did an AMAZING job and ended up in 2nd place!!! Way to go, Ella!!!

Lost and Found is G-R-O-W-I-N-G

Please take a moment to look in our lost and found for your kiddos items.  Our space is overflowing with shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunch boxes, hats, gloves and so much more!

Lost iPhone Charging Cord

Last week Thursday an iPhone charger cord was left upstairs during Girls on the Run and is now missing. If anyone has found the cord, please turn it in to Ms. Robin at the front desk. There is a small reward being offered for its safe return!

Spring Fundraiser Update

There’s still time to secure your table or donate items for the spring fundraiser to be held on Thursday, April 25th! To aid in planning of the event, the committee would love to hear from you asap. Attached are the event response card, donation card and foundation commitment.  As of March 13th, we have foundation commitments of $21,700 (Thank you!!!!). As a reminder, our goal is $300,000. Our guest list is currently made up of 105 people, however, only 13% of families have sent in their responses. If you haven’t yet checked out the website for the AWESOME items up for auction, take a peek! www.innocademy.com  item-donation-form event-response-card1 donation-commitment-card1

Athletic Camp Opportunities

If you’re interested in getting your child involved in athletics, there will be information posted by the entrance regarding leagues, camps, and events coming up!

Innocademy’s Closet - Is Empty!

We haven’t received anything yet and the kids are so excited to start working on this.

The Stewardship Committee is very excited to be starting “Inno Closet” that will stock items for families in need that are part of our own school. Inno Closet will be housed upstairs in one of the office rooms. Below are a list of items we would like to stock in our closet:

• Gently used clothing (children and adult sizes)
• New socks and undergarments
• Toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodarant, etc…)
• ClosetMaid Wire Solutions closet system shelving and track

These items may be sent in to school with your student at any time. Please label them for the closet. If you have any questions about Inno Closet please contact Ms. Monica monica.kraai@innocademy.com or Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com. Thank you!

Summer Camp Opportunities at MVP

MVP has some awesome opportunities available to our Inno friends.mvp-summer-camps-flyer

What is Children’s Trust Fund?

The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect. Learn more about CTF programs in your county, visit www.michigan.gov/ctf.

Ottawa County Health Department FREE Parent Workshops

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day 11 a.m. • April 16, 2013

Rally Location: Steps of the Capitol Building

For more information: Emily S. Wachsberger wachsbergere@michigan.gov  517-335-0671

Learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month at  www.michigan.gov/PreventChildAbuse

Survey Reminder from Beta High School Students

If you haven’t yet had the chance, PLEASE remember to fill out our Talent Show survey by March 28th so that we can have a bigger and better show next year!  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6PZ73CN Thank you!

Spring Break “Staycation” Ideas

Thanks so much to Mr. Matt’s wife, Ms. Victoria, for forwarding on these cool ideas for Spring Break “Staycation”  http://grkids.com/spring-break-guide-2013/

Summer Camp Opportunities

Kids Rock Summer Camp is again holding themed weeks, elective classes, sports, and a fantastic program with a wide variety of activities at a very low cost.  Mr. Ashby, spanish teacher at ZPS, is coordinating the events and thought our families might be interested again this year. Their website is www.kidsrocksummercamp.com.

INNOCADEMY DECALS Have Arrived!

If you would like to purchase an Innocademy decal for your vehicle, please simply send $3 in an envelope marked “Innocademy Decal” to school with your student and we will send home the decal.

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Devos Committee Blog

If you are interested in what is happening at devos each week, please check out their weekly blog  at www.innodevo.blogspot.com

Learning Together at Innocademy

We’d like to dedicate a little corner each week to learning more about our basic Innocademy philosophies and foundations. This week is an opportunity to understand the idea behind second language learning; specifically spanish immersion. The immersion style is what all of our students receive as they experience spanish instruction each day. A FULL immersion program plays well into our vision.

http://addalingua.com/research-insight

As always, if you  have an article, video or link that you’d like to share with our greater Inno community, please feel free to email it to me at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Ella and her fan club (and EXTRA large nametag!) at the Grand Rapids Spelling Bee

Girls on the Run and their coaches, Ms. Leslie, Ms. Lee and Ms. Robin

Whoa….you mean rivers flow INTO Lake Michigan? Kiersten and Cally enjoy Social Studies with Ms. Kelli!

Ms. Natalia cooks with Ms. Mel’s Spanish Students

Foundation Friday Garden Club Committee members, Parker and Elliot, hangtheir bird feeders for our feathered friends!

Fun at Parent’s Night Out…. Grace and Grace share a snuggle!

Morgan, Braylee and Olivia - just hanging out!

Thank You!

BIG thanks to Christian’s grandma, Carol Doubblestein for her generous donation of supplies to Innocademy!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

Friday, March 15th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Thursday, March 28th - Connecting Committee “Eat Lunch With Your Special Person Day”

Thursday, April 18th - Innocademy Parent Meeting - DATE CHANGE from March 18th

Friday, April 19th - Connecting Committee Coffee Time - 9am

Friday, April 19th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Thursday, April 25th - Innocademy Fundraising Event

Friday, May 10th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip - changed from May 17th as it is the Girls On The Run 5K event AND the Whitecaps night for Innocademy

May 17th - Innocademy Night at West Michigan Whitecaps

Back By Popular Demand….Parent’s Night OUT!!

This Friday evening, March 15th,  our oldest friends are offering another parent’s night out opportunity. The evening begins at 7pm and lasts until 10:30pm. We truly appreciate your understanding as we are unable to accommodate students prior to the 7pm time and not later than the 10:30pm time.

West Michigan Whitecaps Reading Program

During  ”March is Reading Month” our students will be able to earn tickets to a Whitecaps game by reading their favorite books! Each student (grades K-6) who reads 450 minutes will be earning 2 free tickets to a game on May, 17, at 6:30. Bookmark hand outs and an offiical permission slips should have come home last week. On the permission slip there will be a place to order more tickets for other family and friends. If your family cannot make the game on May 17th, the tickets kids earned will be able to be redeemed for another night. Let’s get reading!

Congratulations to the Weeda Family!

We are excited to welcome the Weeda Family back to Innocademy after their travels to South Africa! They have brought home with them the newest member of their family, Lindiwe (pronounce Lynn-dee-way), and it means “the awaited one” in Zulu. She’s 15 months old. Congratulations!

…and her happy brothers!

Innocademy’s Closet

The Stewardship Committee is very excited to be starting the “Innocademy Closet” that will stock items for families in need that are part of our own school.  The Innocademy Closet will be housed upstairs in one of the office rooms. Below are a list of items we would like to stock in our closet:

• Gently used clothing (children and adult sizes)
• New socks and undergarments
• Toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodarant, etc…)
• ClosetMaid Wire Solutions closet system shelving and track

These items may be sent in to school with your student at any time. Please label them for the closet. If you have any questions about the Innocademy Closet please contact Ms. Monica monica.kraai@innocademy.com or Ms. Amy amy.harbison@innocademy.com. Thank you!

Zeeland Recreation and the Zeeland Youth Dance Company proudly present

The Sleeping Beauty

Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16 at 7:00 PM
Lokers Auditorium, Cityside Middle School

You’re invited to come and experience Tchaikovsky’s famous music as more than 65 Zeeland Youth Dance Company members and guest artists bring this classic story to life!  Featuring guest artists from some of Zeeland Recreation’s Primary classes and company members ages 10-17, the ballet is geared toward children and is perfect for even the youngest audience members. Please come and support the work of the Zeeland Youth Dance Company and inspire your budding future ballerina. Come meet the cast, take a photo with Princess Aurora, or get autographs in the lobby after the shows!

Tickets are $5 for children/students/seniors and $7 for adults. Seating is reserved. Tickets are available for free to those with financial need.

Tickets are on sale at Zeeland Recreation beginning March 9.

Questions?  Please call 748-3230.

Families in Transition Expo

If your family is in need of services or advice, the Families in Transition Expo is happening at the Holland Civic Center on Friday, March 15th from 5-9pm.

Hot Off The Press!!! INNOCADEMY DECALS Have Arrived!

If you would like to purchase an Innocademy decal for your vehicle, please simply send $3 in an envelope marked “Innocademy Decal” to school with your student and we will send home the decal.

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Devos Committee Blog

If you are interested in what is happening at devos each week, please check out their weekly blog  at www.innodevo.blogspot.com

Learning Together at Innocademy

We’d like to dedicate a little corner each week to learning more about our basic Innocademy philosophies and foundations. This week is another opportunity to understand the idea behind project based learning and how it is utilized in the classroom.

http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-introduction-video

As always, if you  have an article, video or link that you’d like to share with our greater Inno community, please feel free to email it to me at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Ms. Nancy and Mr. Tim made a surprise visit to Innocademy all the way from Mumbai, India where they are currently teaching! What a fun experience to hear about life on the other side of the world! Thanks Mr. Tim and Ms. Nancy!!

Rebecca is SO excited to reconnect with Ms. Nancy! What a FUN visit!

Gavin sneaking a little “mom” time this week.

Thank You!

HUGE thanks to Ventura for their donation of plastic chairs! We so appreciate your generosity!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

Friday, March 8th - Student Led Conference forms need to be returned

Friday, March 15th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Friday, April 19th - Connecting Committee Coffee Time - 9am

Friday, April 19th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Thursday, April 25th - Innocademy Fundraising Event

Friday, May 17th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Lice at Innocademy

Please continue to watch your child(en) closely for lice. Treatment should be according to the attached information on treatment and prevention from the Ottawa County Health Department.  head-lice1 Innocademy policy is that students must be nit free in order to return to school. Thank you!

Pennies for Patients Update

We recently finished our Pennies for Patients coin drive for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our school raised a grand total of $708.46! This is more than twice the amount of our school’s original goal of $300.

Pretty in Pink….Cilicia and ThyAn show off our Pennies for Patients collection!

Afterschool Dismissal

The safest and most efficient method for us to dismiss students at the end of the day is for parents to remain in their cars and proceed through the pick up line. Asking students to cross into the parking lot is dangerous as other cars are not anticipating students crossing in between cars in the pick up lane. It’s scary to think that one car pulling out of line at the same time as one student crossing can lead to tragic results. Thank you so much for your patience during the approximately 7 minutes it takes from start to finish of dismissal.

Spring Fundraiser Information

To Innocademy Parents – a request of support!

At the last parent meeting we were invited to consider a gift to the  “Building our Homestead for Learning and Leaders” campaign, specifically for the outdoor learning environment!  The donation commitment that each Innocademy parent makes before the April event will be matched 1:1 by several generous and anonymous donors.  Whether you give on your own or pool funds with grandparents all will be counted as a “foundational gift” and be given special and permanent recognition in our outdoor area.  Please consider making your foundational gift today by completing the donation commitment card donation-commitment-card!

The April 25^th event committee is running strong and all sorts of fun things are planned for the evening at Innocademy’s Homestead Campus!  First off many asked about the kiddos!  Even though we will have selected Inno kids to help that evening this is an adult guest event. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the community businesses who have given to our auction.  Check out the website for the growing list of items! The food committee is working with several totally awesome restaurants; Mike from Salt & Pepper, Luke from Public, Oscar from Theadore’s and many more in the works!  The kiddos will be planning the meals and getting an opportunity to spend time at the restaurants with the chefs!

We know it may take a little time to secure those rsvp’s for your  tables but we would appreciate a preliminary count to help us in the planning of space and tables/chairs. If your intention is to fill a table please email lynn@avidstrategies.com a “yes I plan to fill a (xx) table(s)”.When you secure all your guests then complete the Event Response Card event-response-card and turn in BEFORE April 10.  Remember you can fill half a table or just come by yourselves!  We want all Innocademy parents and their friends at the event!

Hot Off The Press!!! INNOCADEMY DECALS Have Arrived!

If you would like to purchase an Innocademy decal for your vehicle, please simply send $3 in an envelope marked “Innocademy Decal” to school with your student and we will send home the decal.

Talent Show Survey

Beta Friends are gathering information regarding the first ever talent show at Innocademy. They would appreciate you taking a couple of moments to fill out the survey below by Friday, March 8th. Thank you!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6PZ73CN

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Devos Committee Blog

If you are interested in what is happening at devos each week, please check out their weekly blog  at www.innodevo.blogspot.com

Learning Together at Innocademy

We’d like to dedicate a little corner each week to learning more about our basic Innocademy philosophies and foundations. This week is another opportunity to understand the idea behind project based learning and how it is utilized in the classroom.

http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-introduction-video

As always, if you  have an article, video or link that you’d like to share with our greater Inno community, please feel free to email it to me at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Thank You

HUGE Thanks to Sara Cooney for the donation of lovely handmade cards!

Thanks also to Val Dietsche for the great photography tips she offered to our Foundation Friday Yearbook Committee!

Mark Your Calendars….PLEASE

Tuesday, February 26th - School Resumes

Thursday, February 28th - 6:30pm - RESCHEDULED FROM 1/22 - Deputy Val Weiss will present information on Bullying and Cyber Safety. Important information for ALL parents.

Friday, March 15th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Friday, April 19th - Connecting Committee Coffee Time - 9am

Friday, April 19th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Thursday, April 25th - Innocademy Fundraising Event

Friday, May 17th - Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser for Capstone Trip

Lunch Orders for March

Attached you will find the hot lunch menu for the month of March. The order form will come home with your student on Tuesday and, since Friday is March 1st already, order forms MUST BE TURNED IN ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH. march-lunch-menu Thank you!

Lice at Innocademy

Over the break we had two separate reports of lice affecting our Innocademy families. Please see the attached information on treatment and prevention from the Ottawa County Health Department. Thank you! head-lice1

Sibling Enrollment For Next Year

If you indicated on your blue commitment form for next year that you were intending to send a sibling to Innocademy next year, we are absolutely expecting them! We will make staffing adjustments as needed to accommodate all of our current families. Thank you!

Report Cards on Infinite Campus

Spring Fundraiser Information

To Innocademy Parents – a request of support!

At the last parent meeting we were invited to consider a gift to the  “Building our Homestead for Learning and Leaders” campaign, specifically for the outdoor learning environment!  The donation commitment that each Innocademy parent makes before the April event will be matched 1:1 by several generous and anonymous donors.  Whether you give on your own or pool funds with grandparents all will be counted as a “foundational gift” and be given special and permanent recognition in our outdoor area.  Please consider making your foundational gift today by completing the donation commitment card donation-commitment-card!

The April 25^th event committee is running strong and all sorts of fun things are planned for the evening at Innocademy’s Homestead Campus!  First off many asked about the kiddos!  Even though we will have selected Inno kids to help that evening this is an adult guest event. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the community businesses who have given to our auction.  Check out the website for the growing list of items! The food committee is working with several totally awesome restaurants; Mike from Salt & Pepper, Luke from Public, Oscar from Theadore’s and many more in the works!  The kiddos will be planning the meals and getting an opportunity to spend time at the restaurants with the chefs!

We know it may take a little time to secure those rsvp’s for your  tables but we would appreciate a preliminary count to help us in the planning of space and tables/chairs. If your intention is to fill a table please email lynn@avidstrategies.com a “yes I plan to fill a (xx) table(s)”. When you secure all your guests then complete the Event Response Card event-response-card and turn in BEFORE April 10.  Remember you can fill half a table or just come by yourselves!  We want all Innocademy parents and their friends at the event!

Washington D.C. Trip Update

It is with great excitement that we share the tentative itinerary and fairly solid budget.  The itinerary has to remain fluid as we do not get word on a White House tour until 3 weeks prior to the requested dates.  Also, there is a parent working on a special Pentagon tour.  So, we just have to patient & may have to shift our days around.  Thank you in advance for your flexibility.  The budget however shouldn’t change much regardless of our final activities.  So, the final cost per person is expected to be $475.50.  We will keep you informed of any changes…our goal has always been to make it an affordable trip at around $500 per person.  Please plan to pay in full to I.E.S. on or by Monday, April 15th….coincidentally Tax Day!  washington-dc-itinerarybudget

Hot Off The Press!!! INNOCADEMY DECALS Have Arrived!

If you would like to purchase an Innocademy decal for your vehicle, please simply send $3 in an envelope marked “Innocademy Decal” to school with your student and we will send home the decal.

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Zeeland Christian’s 3-3 Basketball Tournament

Held at Zeeland East High School

March 23, 2013

Registration forms and regulations can be found at http://zcs.org/school-calendar/

Entry form due:  February 28, 2013

Grades 3-Adult

Cost $80/team (4 people max per team)

Questions? Please call Brian and Diane at 616.772.1624

After School Enrichment

This past week you should have received a sign up genius invitation for the next rotation of after school enrichment classes. Also, after school enrichment is interested in getting their hands on a few wii systems either by donation or they are willing to pay $25 for a fully functioning system.  They would also be interested in wii remotes and sports related games. If you have any of the above, please contact Jacquelyn at j.mcnaughton@yahoo.com . Thank you!

Ms. Monica’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Monica’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://msmonicasfriends.blogspot.com/

Ms. Heather’s Youngest Friends Blog

If you have a student in Ms. Heather’s group, please see the link to her blog.http://youngestfriends.blogspot.com

Green Room Blog

http://growingingreen.blogspot.com/

Devos Committee Blog

If you are interested in what is happening at devos each week, please check out their weekly blog  at www.innodevo.blogspot.com

Learning Together at Innocademy

We’d like to dedicate a little corner each week to learning more about our basic Innocademy philosophies and foundations. This week is an opportunity to understand blended learning and how it is utilized in the classroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xMqJmMcME0

As always, if you  have an article, video or link that you’d like to share with our greater Inno community, please feel free to email it to me at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Bella, Sydney, Emily, Kennedy, Miriam and Kelly show off their ribbons for a SUPERIOR rating at the solo and ensamble festival held at Black River Public School on Saturday - CONGRATULATIONS!!

Thanks, Annabelle, for working hard on our Innocademy Video!

Congratulations to Ella and Noah for their incredible performances at the Regional Spelling Bee on February 12th! Ella will be representing our area at the Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee at the Gerald R. Ford Museum on March 12th!

Karinda had the exciting opportunity to direct the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra at DeVos Hall during our visit on February 13th! Way to go, Karinda!

Seth performs some piano magic at the Innocademy Talent Show!

Emme dazzles us with her beautiful ballet talent.

Thanks to our Beta Friends for putting together a great talent show!