Irish Gifted Academy

Hey IGA Family!

What an incredible week we’ve had! Our students have continued to shine, creating lasting memories through their achievements and efforts in the classroom. I want to take a moment to celebrate some of the highlights from this past week.

First, congratulations to our science fair winners! The level of creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking displayed by our students was truly inspiring. Thank you to all who participated and to the parents and teachers who supported them along the way. These projects not only showcase our students' knowledge but also highlight the importance of scientific exploration in fostering problem-solving skills and innovation.

A round of applause also goes to our 1st and 2nd Place winners, who will join our Best of Show winners in the Region Competition on February 7th:

🥇1st Place: Cale Blackburn, Cornelius Jones, Gage McCalvin, Brayden Moore, Marlee Pool, Aatmiyah Shah, Nehamiah Snell, Edward Valeskalns, and Dorothy Windham.

🥈2nd Place: Suleyma Cano, Suri Coates, London Culver, Elliana Daniel (along with her elementary-aged siblings, 4th Grader Rosalie Daniel and 3rd Grader Knox Daniel), Aissata Diallo, Kent Harvey, Anaya Lindsey, Kelis Lawrence, Rylee McCalvin, Peighton Pittman & Kayli Robinson, Kayleigh Rozier, Edward Safford (along with 5th Graders Uther Safford and Will Gill), Harper Tarpley & Mollie Davis, Karmyn Timmons, Colleen Tyner, Harmoni Walker, and Desley Walker.

Additionally, please join us in congratulating our 3rd Place winners and Honorable Mentions:

🥉3rd Place: A'zaryia Boston, Jaiden Blackshear, Nathan Bodi (along with his elementary-aged sibling, 4th Grader Victoria Bodi), Celia Castro, Kayden Derby, Kari Hope, Hudson Horne & Jackson Maddox, Landson Jones, Derrick Knight, Bowan Lake, Braylen Lewis and Liam Oliver, Kayden Miller (along with his elementary-aged sibling, 3rd Grader Kaleb Miller), and Janiyah Pugh.

🏆Honorable Mention: Winter Batts, Lucas Blankenship, Kymani Butler, Illeia Carswell, Jeffery Davis, Raya Fluker, Londyn Guyton, Saige Hendley, Malik Issac, Tonia Koretang, Michon Lewis-Ross, Alan Myers, Ilyse Redd, Nala Robinson, Matthew Rayner, Malcolm Rayner & Jackson Jones, and Carmelo White.

We also celebrated excellence in language arts through our school spelling bee. Congratulations to our spelling bee winners: Aria Turner, Camden Guyton, Braylen Lewis, and Jaiden Blackshear! These students demonstrated focus, perseverance, and an impressive command of vocabulary. We are so proud of their accomplishments and excited to see where their skills will take them in our DCS District Spelling Bee on this Friday, January 17th in the High School Auditorium.

As we look ahead, I want to remind everyone about the importance of being at school on time. Research consistently shows that students who arrive on time are more engaged in their learning, have better academic performance, and develop positive habits for life. Morning routines set the tone for the day, and when students start on time, they are more likely to feel confident and prepared to learn.

Equally important is reading with your child at home. Studies have shown that reading together builds vocabulary, enhances comprehension skills, and fosters a love for learning. Whether it’s reading a bedtime story, exploring a new book, or discussing what they’ve read in class, these moments create a foundation for lifelong success.

This Friday, we will celebrate the 100th day of school! It’s a milestone that reflects our students’ hard work and the dedication of our teachers, staff, and families. We have some exciting activities planned to mark the occasion, and we can’t wait to see how our students showcase their creativity and enthusiasm.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place where students thrive and achieve. Together, we are building a community that values learning, celebrates successes, and prepares our children for a bright future.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Mr. Taylor

Five Houses.....One IGA #Family

We're fortunate to have AMAZING community partners, like the Laurens County Library, who are beginning a new literacy club for families with children ages 6 months to 5 years old. Funded by a Dollar General literacy grant, Launching Into Literacy is designed to encourage reading and family engagement.

When families sign up, they'll receive:

• 2 to 3 books,
• Discussion questions and a craft activity for each book,
• Necessary craft supplies, and
• A caregiver guide with quick tips and activities to nurture literacy development!

All at NO COST!

Wondering how your family can participate? Visit the library for more information!

Calling all students from Dublin City Schools! Get ready to shine at the Irish Day of Pageants!

Presented by our Dublin High School Cheerleaders, it’s happening on Saturday, January 25th in the DHS Auditorium.

Whether you're stepping into the spotlight for the Mister & Misses Crowning or showcasing your career aspirations, there’s a category for everyone, including:

• Pageant/Formal
• Career/Professional
• Most Photogenic
• People’s Choice

• Monday, January 13th-Friday, January 17th: 3rd 9 Weeks CFA Pre-Test Window

• Friday, January 17th: 100th Day of School
  

• Friday, January 17th: DCS District Spelling Bee

• Wednesday, January 22nd: LSGT Meeting for January at 4:00 P.M. in Elementary Cafeteria

• Friday, January 31st: IGA Snow Day

Curious about our Local School Governance Team, or how you can become more involved with the Irish Gifted Academy and Dublin City Schools? Click this link to find out more about our LSGT teams, meeting agendas, and view upcoming dates on our district website --> https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Index.aspx?S=4059

If you are able to assist us in any of the below capacities, please reach out to Mr. Taylor at matt.taylor@dcsirish.com. We are so grateful for the village we have!

• Assist with Check In / Check Out Process for Books in Our Reading Corner
• Assist with Interior Painting / Decor

Our five houses are modeled after those used at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta #rcainspired Visit https://rcahousesystem.com/ for more information regarding houses, more information about each, and ways to access house merchandise.

Isibindi — House of Courage — Language (Zulu) — Country (South Africa) — Animal (Lion)
Altruismo — House of Givers — Language (Portuguese) — Country (Brazil) — Animal (Snake)
Amistad — House of Friendship — Language (Spanish) — Country (Mexico) — Animal (Peacock)
Reveur — House of Dreamers — Language (French) — Country (France) — Animal (Wolf)

Nukumori -- House of Kindness -- Language (Japanese) -- Country (Japan) -- Animal (Dragon)

Email: matt.taylor@dcsirish.com
Website: https://iga.dcs.irish/en-US
Location: 1951 Hillcrest Parkway, Dublin, GA, USA
Phone: 478-353-8450
Facebook: facebook.com/irishgiftedacademy