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Innovation Insider

April 2024

InnovationInsiderApril 2024

In This Issue

  • Important Dates
  • Hexter Highlights
  • Celebrating Students
  • Staff Spotlight
  • Cell Phone Support
  • DMV Online Knowledge Test
  • Spotlight on School Safety
  • A Note From Our Principal

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Important Dates

  • April 24: End of Hex 5 Exhibition, 5-6pm

  • April 24: Prospective Student Open House, 6-7pm

  • April 26: No School - Grading Day

  • May 27: No School - Memorial Day

Coming Up This Month

Project Exhibition - 4/24, 5:00-6:00: During the Exhibition, students will display the projects they have spent the last six weeks working on. This is a great chance to explore what we do at IA and brag about the awesome work your students have been doing!

Prospective Student Open House - 4/24, 6:00-7:00: Do you know any families that are interested in coming to IA? The Prospective Student Open House is the perfect opportunity for students to get acquainted with the school and even get registered!

Hexter Highlights

Hex 4 Exhibition: Thank you to everyone who came and showed their support during our Hexter 4 Exhibition! Students got to show off their math + art pieces, handmade planes and gliders, and the book nooks made in our construction class. Guests were even able to explore the escape room created by our students that took up more than three whole classrooms! Our student’s skill and creativity continues to grow every day, and the exhibitions are a perfect time to see this for yourself. We’ve got some great projects in store for this hex, make sure you come check them out at our next exhibition!

Cell Phone Support

Our students work diligently during the day to complete their work and engage in their learning. Cell phones can be an issue as a distraction from that focus and that is where we need your help as our Innovation Academy families.


Encouraging high school students to limit their cell phone usage during school hours can be challenging, but here are some strategies families can use to support these efforts:


  1. Communicate during non-instructional times: Only texting or calling your student before or after school or during their assigned lunch times to avoid class time distractions.

  2. Use parental controls: Utilize parental control features on smartphones or third-party apps to restrict access to certain apps or websites during school hours, setting limits on your student’s phone to limit screen time during school hours

  3. Set clear expectations: Establish clear rules regarding cell phone usage during school hours. Make sure your student understands the consequences of breaking these rules.

  4. Communicate with teachers: Stay in touch with your student’s teachers to ensure they are aware of and supportive of your efforts to limit cell phone usage during school hours.

  5. Monitor progress: Regularly check in with your student to see how they are managing their cell phone usage during school hours and provide guidance and support as needed.


By implementing these strategies and maintaining open communication with your student, you can help support them in developing healthy cell phone habits during school hours.

DMV Online Knowledge Test

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Is your teen learning how to drive? The DMV Knowledge Test is now available online!

Why take the test online?

Testing online allows customers the chance to know that they have passed their exam before coming into the DMV office and the option to test in a familiar and comfortable environment without the pressure of being in an office. This can save people multiple trips into the office if they do not pass the first time.

What do students need?

  • Students need a laptop or a computer with a webcam, keyboard, mouse, and reliable internet.

  • Students who are under 18 will need someone 21 or older to supervise them taking the test.

  • After students pass the knowledge test online, they will need to go to their local DMV office with their identity documents to have their card issued; they do not need to schedule an appointment.

To take the Online Knowledge Test: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/Online_Services/Online_Knowledge_Testing.aspx

To learn more about online testing: DMV2U.oregon.gov

Spotlight on School Safety

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Partner with Us to Help Keep Our School Safe

If you see or hear anything about school threats, weapons, violence, bullying, drugs, self-harm, or have other school safety suspicions, report it!

CALL OR TEXT 844-4-SAFE-OR (844-472-3367)

EMAIL tip@safeoregon.com

ONLINE safeoregon.com

Principal's Message

As we officially welcome spring, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the progress our students have made and the exciting events ahead. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, both academically and personally, and I'm proud to see our students embracing these opportunities.


Academically, our students continue to demonstrate resilience and dedication in their learning. As we enter the final stretch of the school year, I encourage them to stay focused and committed to their goals. Our teachers are here to support them every step of the way, providing guidance and resources to help them succeed.


At the end of the month, there will be countless opportunities for our students to showcase their talents and passions at the end of Hexter Exhibition on April 24th. I encourage families to support their student’s interests and successes, as these experiences are invaluable to their personal growth and development.


As always, the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We continue to practice monthly drills including fire, earthquake, and lock out drill protocols to ensure a safe learning environment for all.


I am confident that April will be a month filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences for our students. Together, as a school community, we will continue to inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing you soon!


Cass Thonstad

Principal Innovation Academy

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