INV HS Monthly News Letter
Some thoughts for the starting school year
Hello Innovation High School Families,
As we complete the 1st quarter and progress towards the end of the semester, we’d like to highlight some areas where your support can make a difference:
Arrival Procedure Update
Starting after Thanksgiving Break, we will implement a few adjustments to our entry procedures to better enforce uniform compliance and the proper use of Yondr pouches for cell phones. These changes are designed to create a focused and distraction-free learning environment for all students.
Cell Phones and Devices
- Yondr Pouches: Upon entering the building, students must show their Yondr pouch and demonstrate that their phone is securely locked inside.
- Forgotten Yondr Pouches: If a student forgets their Yondr pouch, their phone will need to be turned in at entry. It will be secured in the vault and returned at the end of the day or when the student leaves the building.
- Other Devices: External devices such as iPads, tablets, or personal laptops are not allowed in the building, as students are provided with Chromebooks for academic use.
Uniform Expectations
The Ferguson-Florissant School District requires all students in grades K-12 to wear proper uniforms during school hours. Below are the guidelines for Innovation High School:
- Approved Colors: White, blue, gray, black, and orange.
- Special Circumstances: Students attending Tech programs or internships with different dress requirements will be allowed to change before they leave.
Enforcement Steps
- First Violation: The student will receive a notification, be provided with a uniform piece if available, and a parent/guardian will be informed.
- Second Violation: A parent/guardian will be called to bring the necessary uniform items.
- Third Violation: A parent/guardian will be called, and the student will receive an afterschool detention.
We need your support to ensure all students adhere to these expectations. Together, we can maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Benchmark Scores:
This year, our school is using diagnostic reading assessments to help teachers understand student reading levels throughout the year. One of these assessments is the STAR test. Look for your student’s reading benchmark scores, which are being mailed home.
The STAR reading score provides a snapshot of skills mastered or still in progress. This growth model meets students where they are and supports individual improvement toward standard mastery. Our initiatives to support reading and comprehension include:
- Implementing specific reading strategies and district-approved curricula in all classrooms.
- Dedicating academic time for intervention and enrichment.
- Using Achieve 3000, a Lexile-level building program, for all 9th and 10th graders.
- Holding conferences with students to identify support strategies both in and outside of school.
- Testing all students three more times this year to evaluate the effectiveness of reading strategies.
Upcoming Benchmark Window:
Our second benchmark testing window is scheduled for November 18-22. Please ensure your student:
- Knows their testing schedule.
- Gets plenty of rest before their benchmark test.
- Approaches the test seriously, as results contribute to the state’s rating of Innovation High School’s effectiveness.
Attendance:
We’ve noticed a decline in attendance and are asking parents and guardians to help us improve. Please ensure your student is on time and present each day. Although illness may cause absences, students miss out on learning opportunities when not in school. To promote attendance, we’re introducing a grade-level incentive: the grade with the highest attendance for November will receive an addtintonal Dress Down Day.
Uniform Policy:
We’ve seen an increase in students arriving out of uniform. Please ensure your student follows the uniform policy daily.
Yondr Pouch Usage:
Students must use their Yondr pouch while at school. If a student forgets their pouch, they need to turn in their phone to be securely stored in the vault until the end of the day.
Academic Diligence:
It’s essential that students remain diligent in their studies. Students with Edgenuity classes should complete assignments and stay on track. Progress reports are available, and instructions for checking them in Infinite Campus have been sent. We’ll also include these instructions in our newsletter.
Monthly Change Team Meeting:
Our Monthly Change Team meeting is an opportunity to invite more voices and gather valuable stakeholder input for Innovation High School.
Monthly Family Advisory Meetings:
Family Advisory Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, with the next meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 14, at 5:30 PM. We’ll discuss plans for a family game night in January. Based on feedback, a Zoom option will be available to allow more families to participate remotely. Please see the Zoom link and QR code for our Title 1 survey below—your feedback is valuable!
Family Advisory Committee Zoom Link:
FAC ZOOM LINK
Thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
Dr. Eye
Principal, Innovation High School
Universal Field Trip Forms: Attention parents and guardians: To ensure your student is eligible to participate in school field trips and internship opportunities throughout the school year, please remember to complete and submit the Universal Field Trip Form. Students can receive a paper copy from their advisor. This form is required annually, even if you completed it last year. Timely submission is crucial to allow your student to take advantage of valuable learning experiences that are unique to Innovation High School.
Student LTI Opportunities: We are thrilled to announce several opportunities for our students to explore future careers and develop valuable skills. Build My Future offers students a one day hands-on experience in the construction trades, providing insight into potential career paths. First Generation Investors is a fantastic program for students interested in learning about finance and investing. Students are paired with a mentor that works with them weekly for 8 sessions. Lastly, the St. Louis Zoo Career Exploration program will allow students to discover careers in animal care, technology, education, culinary, security, and more depending on student interest. This is a 9-week program that takes place at the Zoo where students will experience behind the scene tours and presentations from Zoo staff. These opportunities are designed to inspire and guide students as they consider their future career paths. Students can sign-up through their advisors. Be sure to encourage your student to take advantage of these enriching experiences!
Resourece of the Month
Monthly Family Resources Provided by Ms. Rucker
Ms. Rucker, our school social worker, will provide monthly resources for families in the newsletter. This month, we’re featuring the BJC Behavioral Health Call Center.
The call center offers crisis support and connections to behavioral health services. Staffed by trained mental health professionals, it provides assistance regardless of location or insurance status, including:
- Screening for services (mental health, substance use, etc.)
- Crisis support and safety assessments
- Linkage to mobile crisis response as needed
- Identification of next steps in care
- Community referrals
- Follow-up care
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 12:30 am
- Saturday and Sunday: 4:00 pm - 12:30 am
Contact:
Call 314-747-7491
If your family needs additional community resources, please contact Ms. Rucker at arucker@fergflor.org.
