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The SPARK! Family Newsletter
Weekly Family Communication for ALL things Ignite!
Week of August 8 - 12
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, August 17 - Ignite! Virtual Open House (Online; see details below)
Friday, August 19 - Transportation Request Form DUE (Online; see details below)
Tuesday, August 23 - Kindergarten Kick-Off! @ Creekside (In-Person; see details below)
Wednesday, August 24 - Device Distribution for Students A - I (In-Person; see details below)
Thursday, August 25 - Device Distribution for Students J - Z (In-Person; see details below)
Monday, August 29 - First Day of School for Students!
Thursday, September 8 - Ignite! Meet the Teacher & Curriculum Night (Virtual)
Letter from the Principal
Hello Ignite Family!
It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of IGNITE! Online Academy and to join this amazing school community. I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the remaining days of summer break and that you and your child are looking forward to beginning a wonderful school year together on August 29. I can assure you that I share in this school community's commitment to care and support for your children each and every day while providing them with a high-quality online learning experience.
I come to Ignite! as a seasoned high school science teacher, International Baccalaureate program coordinator, and school leader. In addition to my role as an educator, I am also a dedicated wife and mother. We have been a part of Durham Public Schools since my oldest son started Pre-K in 2014. He'll be starting 7th grade this fall and I'm still in shock! I have another son who will be in 4th grade, and my youngest will be entering Kindergarten. My husband and I are both originally from the coast of Eastern NC but have called the Triangle our home since we were married in 2007. I am incredibly proud of my family and look forward to introducing them to my new Ignite! family!
The 2022-23 school year will mark my 20th year in education. Since graduating from East Carolina University as a NC Teaching Fellow, I have served in Onslow, Orange, and Durham school districts. I began my journey in education as a high-school science teacher, eventually surprising myself with my passion for chemistry education. I have always felt at home in the classroom (and still miss teaching science often!), but school administration has provided me with new opportunities in my life's work as an educator.
This principalship provides me the chance to collaborate with teachers of all grade levels on a daily basis, while also connecting with students and watching them learn in the virtual classroom. I firmly believe that every child can excel and grow and that the partnership between home and school is essential in building confident, empowered, knowledgable, and creative young people.
Over the last month, I have had many conversations with district staff, Ignite! staff, students, and families that have provided me with valuable insight into the core beliefs and values of our school. My goal is to continue to build the vision of Ignite! and I remain committed to exploring new ways to meet the needs of all of our students. I will work to communicate effectively with parents and community members throughout the year to identify specific goals in areas of student achievement, engagement, and parent communication.
To our students, I cannot wait to see you in class and have enjoyed meeting several of you already this summer! I hope you are as excited as I am for this upcoming school year! Keep playing, reading, and learning with your friends and family during these last few days of summer break. Please feel free to email me a little about yourself! crystal_medlin@dpsnc.net
In closing, I value each and every family who has committed to be a part of our Ignite! Virtual Academy community. I welcome your conversation and positive input throughout the year. Let us always keep our students as the primary focus of our work. I look forward to celebrating our collective successes and growth at Ignite!
Sincerely,
Crystal B. Medlin
Principal
Ignite! Online Academy
Student Schedules in Powerschool
Powerschool Parent Portal Info
If you need Powerschool Parent Portal assistance, please reach out to Ms. Meyers, our data manager, at dorothy_meyers@dpsnc.net or call at
Ignite! Open House
WHO: ALL Ignite! Families (New & Returning) & Staff
WHAT: Ignite! Online Academy's Family Orientation & Open House
WHEN: Wednesday, August 17 --- 6:00-7:30 pm
WHY: Come to meet our Ignite! Staff and your child's teacher! We'll be sharing important information about curriculum, online learning tools, testing, and learn how to help support your student's virtual learning in the 22-23 school year.
WHERE: Zoom (of course!) - Meeting link accessed HERE
Transportation Request Form
Please email Ms. Medlin if you have any questions or need assistance.
Kindergarten Kick-Off!
Tuesday, August 23 (5:30 - 6:30 pm)
Rising Kindergarten students & families are invited to join us at Creekside Elementary for our Kindergarten Kick-off Event! We will have important curriculum materials, device login instructions, and school supplies! Most importantly, you'll be able to meet your teacher and have a cool treat!
We hope to see you there!!
Creekside Elementary School
5321 Ephesus Church Road
Durham, NC 27707
Please park in the bus lot which can be entered from George King Road.
Supply Lists
***Lists will continue to be updated***
New IGNITE! Website
Bookmark it today and visit often for all things Ignite!
2022-23 Device and Materials Distribution Information
- WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
- Students with the last name A - I
- Please come at ONE of TWO possible times
- 9:00-12:00 PM OR 4:00 - 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25
- Students with last names J - Z
- Please come at ONE of TWO possible times
- 9:00-12:00 PM OR 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Ignite! Headquarters is now located at Creekside Elementary. You will enter and park in the bus lot entrance off of George King Road, where you will see our mobile units. Please do not use the main entrance to the school.
Ignite! Staff will be there to assist families with...
- picking up and logging into their DPS device
- questions about their child's schedule
- setting up the Powerschool Parent Portal
- setting parents up as Canvas Course Observers
- getting your child's IGNITE! backpack to include ESSENTIAL curriculum learning materials
- and MORE!
Creekside Elementary School
5321 Ephesus Church Road
Durham, NC 27707
If you have any questions, please call Ms. Medlin at 984-209-9165
Contact Us!
Location: Ignite! @ Creekside - 5321 Ephesus Church Rd, Durham, NC 27707, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ignite-Online-Academy-103343898110666