Mariner Update Family Edition

Volume 14 Issue 16

Principal’s Message: Showcasing Our Impactful Instructional Programs

Dear Mariner Family,

At IHCS, we believe that excellence is meant to be shared. Our instructional programs are making a meaningful difference in student learning, and it's time to spotlight the incredible work happening within our classrooms.

You will continue to notice an increase in visits from principals, district office staff, and educators from other schools and districts. These visits are more than just opportunities for observation; they are a testament to the powerful teaching, innovative strategies, and strong student engagement that define our school.

Sharing our practices with others positions IHCS as a model of excellence. Our commitment to WAVE (Welcome, Achieve, Virtue, and Excellence) isn't just for our students — it reflects a standard for the entire educational community. When others look to us for inspiration, it validates the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff.

These visits also highlight the talents of our educators and their capacity for innovation. It’s a chance for our teachers to share their gifts, lead by example, and inspire others in the field. This process strengthens professional pride and reinforces our belief in continuous growth.

For students, knowing that others are coming to see their learning in action builds pride, accountability, and ownership. Whether it’s through student-led conferences or SAIL Time interventions, our Mariners are learning to lead their own educational journeys. These visits remind students that their hard work is seen, valued, and celebrated beyond the walls of their own classrooms.

Just as we share our successes, we also learn from others. The feedback and fresh perspectives from visiting educators help us refine our practices. This process of sharing and learning ensures we continue to grow and strive for excellence in all areas of teaching and learning.

For parents, this means your child’s school is on the map as a leader in impactful instruction. For our teachers and staff, it’s an opportunity to lead with courage, showcase your craft, and inspire educational excellence. These visits are a reflection of the work we do together as a school community, and they are proof that the IHCS journey is one worth sharing.

We are proud of all that is taking place at IHCS and honored to share it with others. Thank you for being a part of this community of growth, excellence, and innovation. Together, we will continue to raise the bar for student success.

With gratitude and dedication,

Your Mariner Admin Team,

Mrs. Barry, Mr. Castro and Mr. Candelaria

Special Announcement: Celebrating Our Employees of the Year!

Dear Mariner Family,

It is with great pride and heartfelt joy that we announce and celebrate our Employees of the Year! These exceptional individuals exemplify dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the IHCS and PESD community. Their contributions inspire us all and remind us of the incredible power of teamwork, heart, and purpose.

Please join us in congratulating our outstanding honorees:

IHCS Classified Employee of the Year: Ms. Viviann Ramos
IHCS Certificated Employee of the Year: Mrs. Banessa Llausas
PESD District Office/Departmental Employee of the Year: Mrs. Taylor Barraza
PESD Certificated Administrator of the Year: Mrs. Allison Barry
PESD Principal of the Year: Mr. Andrew Candelaria

We are also proud to share that these honorees will have the opportunity to be recognized at the next level as Riverside County Employees of the Year. This recognition highlights not only their personal excellence but also the collective strength of our school community. Their success is a reflection of the care, passion, and dedication we bring each day at IHCS.

On a personal note, I want to take a moment to share something from the heart. Anything great that you love about our school — and there is so much to love — is the result of a team working together. Students, parents, and staff unite to create a place where every child can thrive in every way possible. Any recognition I receive as Principal of the Year is not mine alone — it belongs to all of us. It reflects our shared commitment to excellence and our belief that every student deserves the very best.

This award belongs to our Mariner Family. It belongs to each student, parent and staff member. It belongs to you. We are a reflection of each other, and it is through our collective efforts that IHCS continues to grow, inspire, and achieve greatness. I am deeply grateful to each of you for being part of this extraordinary journey.

Thank you for teaching me well. Thank you for believing in our mission.
I love our school — do you love your school?

With gratitude and pride,
Mr. Candelaria, Principal

Inside our ship

8th Grade Science Trip Meeting

Thank you to Mrs. Hickey for her outstanding coordination and leadership! Students and parents gathered for an engaging informational meeting about our highly anticipated 8th Grade Science Trip. This annual experience provides students with hands-on learning and unforgettable memories. We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to an exciting adventure ahead!

IHCS Mariachi & Band Concert

Mark your calendars! Our talented IHCS Mariachi and IHCS Band will showcase their musical brilliance on Thursday, December 12th in the IHCS Gym. The Mariachi performance will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Band Concert. This special evening of music is a celebration of our students’ hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing you there for a night filled with music, culture, and community pride!

Thinking Classrooms in Action

Critical thinking is alive in our math classrooms! Students are collaborating in groups of three to tackle daily problem-solving challenges. (Math space is everywhere! Even on the classroom glass door).These lessons are designed to highlight WICOR strategies — Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading — while encouraging deep thinking and teamwork. By engaging in this process, students are becoming confident problem-solvers and active learners.

Learning Empathy in 2nd Grade

Empathy is a powerful life skill, and our students are learning how to put it into practice. Counselor Santiago recently led a lesson with a 2nd-grade class, teaching students how to understand and connect with the thoughts and feelings of others. Students explored ways to show empathy at school, at home, and in their everyday interactions. These lessons are an essential part of building a more caring, compassionate school community.

School Advisory Committee (SAC) Update

Partnerships make us stronger! At our recent School Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, parents and staff collaborated to create a partnership survey aimed at supporting successful programs and identifying ways to grow our efforts for student success. Thank you to our dedicated SAC members for their input, insight, and commitment to our school community: Mrs. Catalan, Mrs. Rodriguez, Mrs. Ambriz, Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Vega, Ms. Martinez, Ms. McGaughey, Mrs. Goodrich, and Mrs. Ruan. Your voices matter, and together we are building a stronger IHCS for all students.

Save the Date

Computer Time

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Celebrating Computer Science Education Week!

This year we celebrate Computer Science Education Week the week of December 9th! But what exactly is this week all about, and why is it so important for today’s students? Let’s dive in and discover why this week is an absolute game-changer for our future!

What is Computer Science Education Week?

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is a nationwide initiative that celebrates the importance of computer science (CS) education. It's not just about coding—although that’s a big part of it! CSEdWeek aims to highlight the role that computer science plays in our lives and to inspire students to explore this exciting field. It’s a time when schools, organizations, and tech companies all come together to promote the power of computer science, often through fun, interactive events, coding challenges, workshops, and more!

The week is held annually in honor of the birthday of Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist who played a vital role in the development of early computer programming languages. She’s a true icon of the tech world and an inspiration for anyone considering a career in computer science!

Why is Computer Science Education So Important?

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, computer science is everywhere! From the apps we use to stay connected, to the systems that drive our economy and healthcare, tech is at the heart of so much of our daily lives. Here’s why it’s essential that we empower students with computer science skills:

Future Career Opportunities
Computer science is one of the fastest-growing fields. With more and more industries relying on tech, the demand for skilled computer scientists, software developers, data analysts, and engineers is soaring. Students who learn computer science now have a head start in some of the most high-demand careers of the future.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Computer science education isn’t just about learning to code. It’s about teaching students how to think logically, break down complex problems, and develop creative solutions. These are crucial skills that can be applied to any career path, from science to business, and even the arts!
Building Innovation
In a world that’s constantly evolving, computer science is the engine driving new innovations. Whether it's artificial intelligence, virtual reality, or the development of cutting-edge medical technologies, students who understand computer science will be the ones shaping tomorrow’s world.
A Pathway for All
Computer science is for everyone, regardless of background or gender. CSEdWeek strives to make computer science more accessible, especially to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in tech. With initiatives like Hour of Code, students from all walks of life are encouraged to explore coding in a supportive and inclusive environment.
It's the Future

So, what can today’s students take away from Computer Science Education Week?

The message is simple: The future is tech, and you can be a part of it!

Whether you’re interested in designing video games, building websites, or exploring the mysteries of artificial intelligence, computer science provides the tools to turn your ideas into reality. We are fortunate at IHCS that all of our students use programs designed to help students of all ages begin learning the fundamentals of coding and computer science.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Code the Future!

Computer Science Education Week is more than just a celebration—it’s a rallying cry for the next generation of creators, innovators, and problem solvers. As technology continues to shape every aspect of our lives, it’s crucial that we equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a digital world. You never know, the next tech giant or groundbreaking innovator could be inspired by just one hour of coding!

Let’s make this week a blast and spark curiosity, creativity, and a passion for computer science that lasts all year long! Happy Computer Science Education Week!